Defending The Island: From Caesar to the Armada - Softcover

"Here is a book Shakespeare would have loved - a fine, old-fashioned, drum-beating history of our island fortress... Longmate weaves the medieval chronicles into a compelling modern story, full of rich and often blood-curdling detail" (Piers Brendon Mail on Sunday)

"A rich history of the invasions of Britain... that, by relying on the words of contemporary historians, possess a freshness and immediacy" (Sunday Times)

"An enthralling account of the defence of Britain... a solid and conscientious piece of work" (Jan Morris Independent)

"A fascinating work" (Sunday Express)

In a brilliantly imaginative blend of military, social and diplomatic history, Norman Longmate retells our island story from the perspective of its defenders, in a narrative which stretches from the Celtic tribes who unsuccessfully fought against Ceasar to the great seabourne defence against the Armada of Philip of Spain.

He has gone back to the original sources and investigated the original battlegrounds and weak spots in Britain's defences. But the real strength of his book is its seamless narrative of history, which uncovers the truth behind the legends. A mass of solidly researched fact, not readily found elsewhere, is seasoned with lively, humorous and occassionally gruesome anecdote.

The result, providing at once an invaluable sourcebook for the specialist and an enthralling narrative for the general reader, is by far the most comprehensive and accessible history of England versus invasion ever published.