Our Island Story - H.E. Marshall

Our Island Story

I have always loved history, but feel my knowledge is somewhat lacking at times. Having just made that statement, it has improved since I started working in schools….I think I can safely say I have helped make enough Roman shields to lead an invasion of my own! I was sorting through some books to take to the charity shop and started to read this one again…..

I received my primary education pre National Curriculum when schools could pretty much teach what they felt like and perhaps my most overriding memory is having spent weeks learning about birds and a project on trees (What I don’t know about Blue Tits that live in Oak trees isn’t worth knowing……). Although… funnily enough this hasn’t been of much use in my adult life... It hasn't got much better and so a campaign to bring this book back was brought about because many people were unhappy with the way history is taught in schools. It is argued that the current approach of dipping in and out of different eras, instead of following a chronological format has no context or meaning for children and so their knowledge is both sketchy and they don't develop any real kind of interest in history. It has to be said, that from my experience kids would think 1966 has more importance with regard to English history than 1066.....

This book was originally published in 1905 and was written by Henrietta Marshall who was living in Australia at the time. She wrote it in story form for children so that they would know all about the history of the 'Little Isle' or ‘Britain’ to you and me. I believe it went out of print, but in 2005 a campaign by The Daily Telegraph led to a centenary edition being brought out backed by Civitas and Galore Park Publishing. They even donated 5000 free copies to schools. It is quite a controversial book because, well, I suppose you could say it is not very 'right on' and might offend certain people. You know….because it talks about… ‘Great Britain’ …something that doesn’t seem to be fashionable to do these days.

Critical Appraisal

I wouldn't normally bother with looking at what critics say about a book, but for this one, I think it is important because it did make its mark and because perhaps I am not sure if many people know of the book and so might be interested in how it is viewed.

"Our Island Story, first published in 1905, must rank as one of the most influential works of history of the 20th century."
- Times Ed. Supplement, 7 July 2005

"The delight of Our Island Story lies in its emphasis on personality, in the unalloyed certainty that Britain has produced some remarkable people, and some extraordinary tales....As a sentiment that may be unfashionable, but it is surely true."
- The Times, 10 September 2005

A Book To Read Aloud….

The book is organised into 109 easy to read chapters. It also contains many beautiful full colour illustrations along the way. (I like lots of pictures....) There are quite a lot of poems quoted throughout and there is a full list at the front of all the Kings and Queens from Edward the Confessor onwards. The author also writes a little story before she writes properly about how she was motivated to write the book. The preface can be read here:

http://www.civitas.org.uk/islandstory/pr​eface.htm

It starts with the story of how Great Britain got its name and goes through the ages, ending with the death of Queen Victoria. The ‘voice’ of the narrator has flair and really is the type of book that can withstand being read aloud. Henrietta never married nor had children, but it is thought she may have been a governess or tutor. It is quite sad given the success of the book now, but I believe that in the years before she died struggled financially. It is important to point out that this book is not just a ‘history facts’ book and also includes many ‘myths and legends’, such as King Alfred and the burnt cakes…(see…everyone has an off day..) She intended to try to spark some interest in history for children, so that they might wish to find out more for themselves independently.

It is difficult to perhaps gauge the current target audience of the book. It is really aimed at children aged around 7 to 11 I suppose. However, I am not sure the style and content have appeal to the children of today. Certainly, any children I have tried to give the book to have turned their nose up at it. Well… apart from 9 year old Oscar...who I think has read all The Booker Prize winners… (that’s not his real name by the way, student confidentiality and all that) At 488 pages it is also quite a lengthy book (even if it is divided up well) and requires staying power. I’m afraid it doesn’t seem to be able to compete with the ‘Horrible Histories’ series, which combine facts and humour in a way that young children love.

On reflection I think it is best suited to people like me; grown ups who feel they missed out somewhat on some of their education and enjoy the way the stories are told. It is the charming manner in which the ‘voice’ tells the stories and the fact that even though it is of course a chronological book; it is easy to dip into different chapters that are of interest. I particularly liked the chapter on how the Union Jack came to be. (Was I really that ignorant?….That was a rhetorical question by the way…..)

Negatives are that obviously the book finishes with the Victorian era and also the fact that even though it is a book about ‘Great Britain’, it is very much slanted towards an English viewpoint. It also takes quite a Christian stance which again might put people off. The ‘myth’ factor might confuse children as to what actually did happen and what is just conjecture, so if a purely educational book is required, then this probably won’t be what you are looking for. Oh no..have I just cancelled out all the positives? No..still love it…

I bought the book in 2006, but still glance through it from time to time. The book is available in hardback and can be purchased for £11.49 from Amazon, the paperback version is £6.53. The extra few pounds for the hardback version is worth it I think.

I can of course fill any gaps by reading serious factual history books… but where’s the fun in that?