Makes you think

Mr Ferguson always makes me think and has done much to alter my view of history. This is, in general, another excellent book.
I would say that he takes a very macro view of the benefits of empire. Not unrealistic but viewed from a safe distance.
I would also add that I feel he falls into the trap of condemning Ireland for not fighting on the allied side in Ww2. Ireland was a tiny, impoverished nation that had, less than 20 years previously, finally won its freedom from its ancient enemy ie Britain. No government could have asked its citizens to fight for Britain without risking a descent into another bloody civil war.
He further fails to mention how Irelands neutrality was very strongly inclined towards Britain.
On the whole though this is a superb book and leaves you thinking about the world from a different perspective. I enjoyed it immensely.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

24 people found this helpful

Great Listen

It always helps to know a little bit about the subject matter before listening to a book like Empire. But you don't have to be an expert.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed listening to this book. Packed full of little snippets that added to the larger picture. Currently The British Empire is a bit of a dodgy subject, but I felt the good and the bad were reflected and Niall Ferguson gave a balanced view.
Jonathan Keeble the narrator was fabulous.
Loved it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Superb

A fair, informative and balanced assessment of an often controversial and misunderstood subject. It taught me so much about perspective of this often difficult area of history. Thoroughly recommended.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Enthralling book and has great relevance today

What did you like most about Empire?

Providing a very balanced and dispassionate view of the British Empire throughout under pined with key economic data to back it up. This data is used to dispel many of the popular and politically correct myths about the the Empire that prevail and raises questions of the modern world order.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Empire?

There are many but one that you keep being reminded of is how the empire that ruled over a quarter of the world was created and maintained for so long on such limited manpower and resources. Something hard to imagine in today's world

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Keeble’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Film would not do this book justice given the breath and depth of the subject matter

Any additional comments?

If you have an interest in history this is a compelling listen. Hard to put down. Despite all the bad press about the British Empire it does make you feel proud of the many achievements of our ancestors while at the same time being ashamed of some of their behavior too.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful

The only book about Empire you will ever need

For many years I had lived in the private shame of my ignorance about the British Empire. This book was my first proper education on one of the most interesting pieces of British/World history and if I were to be told it would be my last education about it I would not be overly dissatisfied- due to having been grounded in Ferguson's focused yet comprehensive account (otherwise known as incredibly well written.) It won't however be my last dabble in this period of history because it has inspired in me the interest to focus more on the themes and aspects raised within.

No boring history lecture, this is a story- an exciting story full from the beginnings to the end, the ups and downs, the good and the bad of the Empire. Ferguson tells this episode in a very interesting manner, frequently utilising: quotes, diary entries, poems, and other key texts from the times in order to entrench the listener in the atmosphere and context of the situation, a fantastic way of storytelling.

Ferguson also confronts all of the big questions that Empire raised: was it a good thing? was it really beneficial to the average Brit? How did it differ in comparison to the other European empires? and of course, How did Britain Make the Modern World?


No empire has spread as wide or has determined as much the shape of the planet we see today. Consequently everyone should read this book, but every Briton must read this book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Not much new

I probably know the subject too well to be impressed, didn’t really draw any new conclusions but it could be an excellent primer for those looking to understand the world’s imperial past and to some extent present

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

An excellent account of British imperialism

I found the book very informative, it’s clearly written for fully formed adults who understand he nuanced realities of life. As opposed to the vocal minority who prefer dealing in absolutes, the narration was wonderful as is always the case with Jonathan Keeble.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Wow,just wow.

What a fabulous book,one of the best audio books it has been my pleasure to listen to...narration,length,everything was just right.
Disappointed I had to finish.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant!

As a newbie to The Empire I found this book both enjoyable and engaging. Having tried other history narratives I found them difficult to hold the information but the way this is written and narrated kept me listen and learning the whole way through.Highly recommend.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

a gret overhaul of events

i enjoyes this book massively. it touches on alot of events that i didnt know about but at the same time it skirts over a few events that i wish they had actually gone deeper into or in some cases mention at all.

covers alot of world history. good and bad so worth a listen is thats your thing

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful