I want to buy as a gift for Xmas a history book about the UK. It is for an adult to be read whilst commuting and ideally needs to be written in an interesting and fun way. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.
I can think of a number of such books, but they are all written for pre-teens. My love of history stemmed from a book by Arthur Marshall called "Kings and Things". I remember reading it in 1957 when I was bed-bound for six months and found it fascinating, as well as humorous, but despite many attempts since have been unable to trace a copy.
I've got one called '50 things you need to know about British History' which is pretty good. Gives a brief summary of major events. I got it from Amazon.
I'm just reading 'At Home' by Bill Bryson. Fascinating, entertaining social history - almost un-put-downable! Galloops through each room of the house he bought on returning to UK. E.g. It was built in 1851 so the Great Exhibition is covered. Can't recommend it enough.
Simon Schama's 'History of Britain' is, in my opinion, as good as it gets; very easily readable but erudite, so you find you're getting an education while you think you're having fun!