The perfect Christmas stocking filler for the bibliophile in your life who likes a little comedy with their history. The book is based on the idea that history is what you can remember, and it is therefore full of examples of half-remembered facts delivered in a humorous and entertaining way.

1066 and All That: A Memorable History of England, Comprising All the Parts You Can Remember, Including 103 Good Things, 5 Bad Kings and 2 Genuine Dates is a tongue-in-cheek reworking of the history of England.

The book is a parody of the Whiggish style of history teaching in English schools at the time and in particular of the 'Our Island Story'. It purports to contain “all the history you can remember” and in fifty-two chapters, covers the history of England from Roman times through 1066 “and all that”, up to the end of World War I, at which time “America was thus clearly Top Nation, and history came to a.” For this last chapter titled “A Bad Thing” the final pun even requires the English term “full stop”, rather than the American “period”, to work.

The authors are described thus:

Walter Carruthers Seller, Aegrot: Oxon (aegrot is a certificate indicating that a student is ill and excused from lessons; Oxon is an English abbreviation for Oxford or Oxfordshire).

Robert Julian Yeatman, Failed M.A. ETC. Oxon (M.A indicates a failed Masters Degree)

The book is introduced by Ned Sherrin M.A Oxon Barrister-at-Law - indicating perhaps that he is the only one with some achievement! LOL!

This is a cute little Folio Society book is covered in brown paper and designed to look like a textbook that has been written on. It is hardcover and contains illustrations by John Reynolds "Gent". It has no visible damage and is something of a delight. It first appeared serially in Punch Magazine and was first published in book form by Methuen & Co. Ltd. in 1930. This Folio Society edition was first published in 1990.

Please note that we sell vintage books and as such these are rarely perfect. This is a lovely book but is secondhand so please see the photos to make sure you'll be happy with its condition.

If you're outside of the UK and buying more than one item, please contact us for combined shipping options. Please also be assured that if you are overcharged for postage and packing via Esty we'll refund the overage.

We wrap well but use recycled/upcycled packaging so, while your book will be protected, it might not look pretty until you unwrap it!

Thank you!
Ax