Unruly

Horrible Histories for grownups

David Mitchell

Think you know your kings and queens? Think again.

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

Taking us right back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn’t exist), David tells the founding story of post-Roman England right up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It’s a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, excessive beheadings, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and at least one total Cnut, as the population evolved from having their crops nicked 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 it matters in modern Britain are all questions David 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.

My Review:

David Mitchell’s Unruly is a hilarious and insightful sprint through the early history of England’s monarchy, written with all the wit, brilliance, and biting commentary you’d expect from Mitchell. From the myth of King Arthur (spoiler: he wasn’t real) to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies), this book shines a light on the absurdities, narcissism, and sheer chaos of England’s early rulers.

I came to this book not as a history buff but as someone with little interest in the subject—thanks, uninspiring school history lessons! My curiosity was piqued by Bridgerton’s portrayal of the “mad king,” and I thought it was time to fill in some gaps in my knowledge. However, I was disappointed to find that King George III—who reigned from 1760 to 1820 as Britain’s longest-reigning male monarch—was not included in the book. Unruly focuses on monarchs from the mythological King Arthur up to the reign of Elizabeth I, ending in 1603, so it doesn’t cover the period of George III’s reign.

That said, what the book does cover is a delight. Mitchell’s conversational, autobiographical tone makes history accessible, even for readers who, like me, avoided it at all costs in school. His trademark humour shines, and he doesn’t shy away from getting a bit cross about the absurdities of the past, which makes the book even more enjoyable. It’s clear he’s done his research, packing the narrative with fascinating facts and stories, but it’s his presentation—full of sharp wit and wry observations—that truly sets this book apart.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Mitchell himself, which was a perfect choice. His voice adds an extra layer of charm and makes the material even more engaging. That said, I found myself craving something tangible to follow along with, so I bought the paperback as well. The combination of reading and listening enhanced the experience, though I suspect I might not have enjoyed the written version as much without Mitchell’s voice in my ear.

If you’re a fan of David Mitchell’s humour, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. If you’re a history enthusiast—or even someone who finds history dull—you’ll appreciate how Mitchell brings the past to life with humour and irreverence. The book is a whistle-stop tour through the monarchy, from the thugs and schemers who claimed power in post-Roman England to the carefully curated image of Elizabeth I. It’s not a comprehensive history by any means, but it’s an excellent starting point for anyone curious about England’s kings and queens.

For me, Unruly was a revelation. It showed me that history doesn’t have to be a dull recitation of dates and events – it can be funny, fascinating, and full of unexpected connections to the present. Highly recommended for anyone looking to learn a little and laugh a lot – just don’t expect to find King George III’s story here!

A Note for David Mitchell
In Chapter 2, you wondered if anyone reading this book might not know that William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Well, I am that reader. I’d heard of William the Conqueror, I’d heard of the Battle of Hastings, and I knew the date meant something – but I never connected the dots to the fact itself. So, here I am, confounding the algorithms! (However, I did know that Elvis was a singer – he’s just slightly before my time!)

The Author:

David Mitchell is a comedian, actor, and writer celebrated for his sharp wit and intellect. Known for his work on Peep Show and Would I Lie to You?, he brings his unique humor and storytelling to books, offering fresh perspectives on everything from history to modern life.

The Book:

Title: Unruly
Author: David Mitchell
Audiobook: 11h 39m (Penguin Audio) published 28 September 2023 (narrated by David Mitchell)
Hardback: 448p (Michael Joseph) published 28 September 2023
Paperback: 448p (Penguin) published 23 May 2024

The Review:

I picked up Unruly to learn more about King George III after seeing his portrayal as the “mad king” in Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte episodes. However, I was disappointed to find that King George III—who reigned from 1760 to 1820—was not included. Unruly focuses on monarchs from the mythological King Arthur through to the reign of Elizabeth I, ending in 1603, so it doesn’t cover George III’s era. That said, I still learned something new—see my note to David Mitchell above.

All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites, such as Amazon, Goodreads, LoveReading, StoryGraph, and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.

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