Many histories of Britain are Anglo-centric -- the other bits getting mentioned only when England fights them -- but not this addition to the Horrible Histories series.

Terry Deary delves into 300,000 years of people and events from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales in the full-colour hardback.

As in previous books Deary takes us chronologically through history, but this time he takes pains to ensure all the countries get a fair bash.

Bright, inventive presentation enlivens the most foul facts, most harrowing happenings and most fearsome folk from all four corners of the Isles.

David Knights