"The Busy Person's Guide to British History" is the perfect light history read. In less than 350 pages you are whisked from the distant stone age all the way up to 1945. It is serious but tinted with a sense of humour with each chapter opening with a great illustration. It also dwells on the eras that don't get a lot of love. Everyone knows who Henry VIII is so if you want more on him, read David Starkey. This is a chance to highlight the importance of Henry I or Henry III and point out the Vikings had a longer and greater impact on the country than the Restoration. This book fills in the gaps, enhancing your understanding rather than just going for the easy targets of the Romans, the Tudors and the Victorians.