I first discovered this book when doing history at school. Our teacher, Mrs Lashley, would finish each part of the history of the country by reading Sellers and Yeatman's version of what she had just taught us. As this book is making continuous, slightly incorrect, references to real events that worked very well and it was very funny.

At the time I bought my own copy in paperback and it's still somewhere in the house however I've since bought it in Folio Society a hardback slip case edition (twice it seems, not sure how that happened, if anyone wants a copy, in mint condition, then do shout!) and it's that which I've just re-read.

Reading it now is odd. I know they're making jokes, but I only dimly recollect the things they're making jokes ago. I repeatedly found myself stopping and Googling to find out, again, about things. But it was still an enjoyable read even with my memory of schoolboy history now a fading memory.