Truthful!! - Rated 
Our Island Story by Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall was first published in 1905. This children's history of Britain , from the time of the Romans to the death of Queen Victoria, became an instant classic. Beautifully written, with the narrative sweep of the best story-tellers, Our Island Story went through many editions and remained one of the most popular one-volume histories of Britain up until its final edition in 1953. Leading historians of the present day like Lady Antonia Fraser and Andrew Roberts have testified to the effect that this book had on them by igniting a passionate love of history in young minds through its thrilling narrative.
Fierce struggle and high intrigue, magic and poisoned daggers, and a queen who defied the norm... - Rated
It looks more like a history book than anything else, but as soon as I started reading "Our Island Story", I was fascinated. Combining English history with folklore and fairytales, and with a narrative voice so homely that you immediately envision biscuits and milk by a quaint fireplace, this book is charming from the beginning.
As a young girl raised on Hans Christian Anderson and The Brothers Grimm, I've come to expect a lot from my fairy-tales, and the accounts of Merlin and Arthur, Boadicea, and the Civil War are dramatic and moving, and it infuses the characters and dates taught in schools with feelings and emotions, provides history with a sense of humanity. And the pictures - vibrant and engaging - provided an entertaining accompaniment. I'm sixteen and I'm in love with this book. The little children I babysit (7 and 9) were as interested when I read them an excerpt the other day. What more recommendation does it need?!
Buy it!!! - Rated
Our Island Story is truly exceptional. I remember my grandfather reading me this book when I was younger, and being fascinated by what is truly a great narrative of British history. Now reading it to my friend's children, both they (and I!) feel the same. History is suddenly exciting; even the TV is less attractive!! What is more, this new edition has been supplemented with brilliant illustrations that really brings the book alive in their minds. I can only say, buy it!
A sumptuous new edition - Rated
Even if you've already got the hardback edition of Our Island Story, this new paperback version truly is a keepsake worth buying. The publishers have really put the icing on the cake with this edition by taking a series of glorious paintings from the Palace of Westminster to illustrate H.E Marshall's magical retelling of history. These surprisingly sharp and colourful reproductions will undoubtedly delight children and adults alike with their sumptuous detail.
Our Island Story - a great read - Rated 
I bought this book at Christmas for my nine year old and was pleased to find that my eleven year old was captivated by it too. We enjoy reading books out loud as a family and this book makes a great read for sharing. Don't expect it to 'tie-in' with the random topic based school history curriculum, this book is a consecutive account that unashamedly includes an element of myth and magic.I don't think that my children had realised that a clear understanding of the English/ British succession was within their intellectual grasp before hearing this engaging narrative.Furthermore all those Edwards,Henrys and the rest now have a relevance in their minds that was not there before. My children can now see a clear causal link between that subject called 'history' and that thing called 'politics'. Sometimes it takes an exciting story to awaken knowledge and bring it to life. The book covers a very broad sweep of British history and I would recommend it for families to share.
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