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  • Unruly

  • The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens
  • Written by: David Mitchell
  • Narrated by: David Mitchell
  • Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (58 ratings)

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Unruly

Written by: David Mitchell
Narrated by: David Mitchell
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Publisher's Summary

INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER • A rollicking history of England’s kings and queens from Arthur to Elizabeth I, a tale of power, glory, and excessive beheadings by award-winning British actor and comedian David Mitchell

“Clever, amusing, gloriously bizarre and razor sharp. Mitchell [is] a funny man and a skilled historian.”―The Times

Think you know the kings and queens of England? Think again.

In Unruly, David Mitchell explores how early England’s monarchs, while acting as feared rulers firmly guiding their subjects’ destinies, were in reality a bunch of lucky bastards who were mostly as silly and weird in real life as they appear today in their portraits.

Taking us back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn’t exist), Mitchell tells the founding story of post-Roman England up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It’s a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and a few Cnuts, as the English evolved from having their crops stolen by the thug with the largest armed gang to bowing and paying taxes to a divinely anointed king.

How this happened, who it happened to, and why the hell it matters are all questions that Mitchell answers with brilliance, wit, and the full erudition of a man who once studied history—and won’t let it off the hook for the mess it’s made.

A funny book that takes history seriously, Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how the British monarchy came to be—and who is to blame.

©2023 David Mitchell (P)2023 Random House Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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What the critics say

“Clever and amusing . . . gloriously bizarre . . . razor sharp . . . People who have never before picked up a history book will read and enjoy this one.” The Times

“David Mitchell brings a delightfully contrary and hilariously cantankerous eye to the history of the English monarchy, offering a jewel of an insight or a refreshing blast of clarifying wit on every page. Unruly is informative, illuminating, and very, very funny.” —Jesse Armstrong, writer and creator of Succession

“A sardonic, endlessly funny update to the classic 1066 and All That.Kirkus Reviews

What listeners say about Unruly

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Humour Helps !!

David Mitchell's wit and cleverness makes everything he does interesting and very funny ! I LOVED " UNRULY" partly because I enjoy history, but I bought this book because David's humour is the best!! ( I found myself actually remembering dates and names, ha ha. ) I think this would work perfect as a History book for today's students. (* language is for young "adults" )
Great book Mr. Mitchell, made extra special because it was narrated by you !! Thank you for all the laughs!!
p.s. please write & narrate more books and do more sitcoms, love all your work!! Really wished "UPSTART CROW" could have had more seasons...Just like a good teacher, you educate folks without them even realizing it. I love that too!!
Shelly D. from CANADA 🇨🇦

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Delightful

I loved this book so much I’ve listened to it three times. David’s dry wit is delightful.

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Irreverent, irascible view of the kings and queens

the history of England as only David Mitchell can tell it. highly recommended. smart and funny

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Wonderful, funny, smart

I loved it! David Mitchell is funny, erudite, and thought-provoking as always. Only wish it was longer and went up to the modern day. Great narration.

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Don't care much about monarchies. Loved the book.

I always relish the opportunity to hear Mitchell's discussions, and even his rants, on various topics. So, my lack of initial interest in the subject of England's Kings and Queens didn't dissuade me from picking up this audiobook. Early in the narrative, Mitchell hints that a basic understanding of English history is crucial for the reader—or should I say, listener. Despite this, I chose to continue and I'm glad I did. Residing in the colonies, this book provided a revelatory adventure through British/English/Something history. If nothing else, it served as a great framework, helping categorize the numerous historical dramas I've encountered in movies and TV shows over the years.

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Unruly

Thoroughly enjoyed David Mitchell‘s latest book. It was more of a complete history than what I was expecting, but it was never dry and always made humourous connections to the present.

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I loved every word of Unruly

The humour of the language and David Mitchell’s storytelling style as well as the humanizing of the rulers - all put equally in perspective of their times and our own. I laughed out loud and rewound bits numerous times!

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Funny, entertaining, informative, and enjoyable

The book is an excellent overview of England’s kings from before there was an England till the end of Elizabeth I.

I found it extremely enjoyable and made all the more enjoyable by the author’s reading of it. David Mitchell always has a wonderful dry sense of humour and ability to rant and it is translated very well into the text and by extension his self-read audiobook.

I strongly recommend fans of Mitchell, Medieval history, English history, or newcomers to history to try this book out.

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History is a Funny Old Thing

It is clear that author David Mitchell cares about history. That he can make endlessly funny 1,000 years of various thuggish people wearing golden hats is a testament to his care and ability as an author and comedian. Well worth the read/listen!

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Awesomely fun & accessible!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Will be on my reread list! I seriously hope you’ll keep them coming!

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