Isles

The bestselling and controversial new history of the ''British Isles'', including Ireland from the author of Europe: A History. Emphasizing our long-standing European connections and positing a possible break-up of the United Kingdom, this is agenda-setting work is destined to become a classic. ''If ever a history book were a tract for the times, it is The Isles: A History ... a masterwork.'' Roy Porter, The Times ''Davies is among the few living professional historians who write English with vitality, sparkle, economy and humour. The pages fly by, not only because the pace is well judged but also because the surprises keep coming.'' Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, Sunday Times ''A book which really will change the way we think about our past . marvellously rich and stimulating'' Noel Malcolm, Evening Standard ''A historiographical milestone.'' Niall Ferguson, Sunday Times ''The full shocking force of