The History of Britain Vol. 1, Simon Schama'History clings tight but it also kicks loose', writes Simon Schama at the outset of this, the first book in his epic three volume journey into Britain's past. 'Disruption as much as persistence is its proper subject. So although the great theme of British history seen from the twentieth century is endurance, its counter point, seen from the twenty first, must be alteration.' Change sometimes gentle and subtle, sometimes shocking and violent is the