Unruly

A comic history of England's monarchs, from the semi-legendary King Arthur to Elizabeth I, by the comedian and actor David Mitchell (Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look). Mitchell argues that the kings and queens of early England were mostly lucky, ordinary and often ridiculous people who happened to end up in charge, rather than the destiny-guiding rulers of legend.

He tells the story through political intrigue, violence and rebellion, and asks why this history still matters today. Witty and digressive, it is popular history for readers who want to learn something and laugh along the way.