Book cover of Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens

Book description

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…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

3 authors picked Unruly as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I found it not just funny but refreshing. Mitchell treats historic royals with the respect they deserve, which is basically none.

A hilarious take on England's monarchs - brilliant. I wish schools would use it to teach history

I have always adored historical reads, and although mostly that’s historical fiction, I also occasionally enjoy a non-fiction read.

Unruly has been described by some as a “Horrible Histories” for adults, and I couldn’t agree more. His often sweary take on the kings and queens throughout British history bring a certain humour to what some may think an unexciting subject.

To me history has always had some brilliantly exciting and unexpected events, and this book certainly doesn’t disappoint in bringing just some of them to the reader.  

If you love Unruly...

Ad

Book cover of Down in the Sea of Angels

Down in the Sea of Angels by Khan Wong,

An intense and thoughtful time-hopping dystopian fantasy where three individuals, psychically linked through time, fight enslavement, exploitation, and environmental collapse. A great read for fans of Emily St. John Mandel.

In 2106, Maida Sun possesses the ability to see the entire history of any object she touches. When she starts…

Want books like Unruly?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Unruly.

Browse books like Unruly

Book cover of Young and Damned and Fair: The Life of Catherine Howard, Fifth Wife of King Henry VIII
Book cover of Young Queens: Three Renaissance Women and the Price of Power
Book cover of The History of the Kings of Britain

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Unruly, you might also like...

Book cover of The Map Colorist

The Map Colorist by Rebecca D'Harlingue,

In 1660, Amsterdam is the map-printing capital of the world. Anneke van Brug is a colorist, paid to enhance the black-and-white maps for the growing number of collectors. Her talent brings her to the attention of the great Joan Blaeu, owner of a prestigious publishing house. Not content to simply…

Book cover of Kanazawa

Kanazawa by David Joiner,

Emmitt’s plans collapse when his wife, Mirai, suddenly backs out of purchasing their dream home. Disappointed, he’s surprised to discover her subtle pursuit of a life and career in Tokyo.

In his search for a meaningful life in Japan, and after quitting his job, he finds himself helping his mother-in-law…

5 book lists we think you will like!