4/5 A History of Britain
  by Bill Barksdale
This is an entertaining, comprehensive and fascinting story of the history of Britain. I've now watched it twice, bought it as a gift for others and will watch it again. A friend who is English told me this is a much more comprehensive look at English history then he received in school. For anyone interested in European history, Shakespeare or the roots of U.S. history - this is a beautifully produced and welcome primer. I highly recommend it.

5/5 history of britan
  by D. Price (tampa fl.)
this series is very well done. it is an easy and interesting way to learn about england

5/5 What a gem!
  by Caraculiambro (La Mancha and environs)
God bless Simon Schama!

Look at my other reviews: I'm a curmudgeon who dumps on virtually everything that passes his way.

But I have nary a slight for this masterful set of DVDs. Entertaining, well-written, thoroughly absorbing. And you find yourself not minding the nerdy intrusions of the almost spastic Schama throughout.

I've watched it over and over again. Probably five times by this point. Though the first installment on the neolithic guys is my least favorite, the rest of it is impressively gripping.

I plan on watching it many more times. For me, the thing was as perfect as you could get on 6 disks. But others might have these gripes:

1. Schama assumes you already have a basic understanding of British history. If you don't, many of his observations will seem cryptic or elliptical.

2. Famous episodes and characters in British history, such as the Wars of the Roses, or Henry IV, can be given short shrift depending on Schama's judgment of how important they were for later events and institutions.

4/5 The History of Great Britain
  by Charles M. Nusbaum (Williamsburg, VA United States)
A superlative effort. Very informative and well thought out. Covers iconic events... doesn't try to do it all .

5/5 History of Britain
  by Wanda Stegall (Southeastern United States)
This is a great buy for the money. Provides many hours pleasant viewing for the British enthusiast. Starts with the earliest days of history and takes you down through the years. The scenery is great and all of the episodes kept me interested. I really recommend this set.