David Mitchell (the comedian, not the author of Cloud Atlas) takes readers on a walking tour through the history of England’s monarchy, up to around the start of the 17th century. Or maybe I should stay running tour. Covering hundreds of years of history in this few pages of course means that there isn’t a lot of time to devote to any particular ruler or era. Thus, I wouldn’t say that Unruly makes for a good read for anyone actually looking for a serious history lesson. But if you’re a fan of Mitchell’s comedic sensibility, as displayed on Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look, Upstart Crow, and Would I Lie to You? among many others, than Unruly can be appreciated for what it is: a fun, discursive look at what is and has always been a ridiculous institution.
I started reading this book on my Kindle and was having a hard time getting into it, but then I switched to the audiobook version, which Mitchell narrates himself. Mitchell’s tone is very specific, and so it was nice to have it as a guide. Reading myself, I couldn’t quite capture it and therefore I missed it.
I don’t know how much history the average reader will retain from Unruly. I myself feel certain I will only recall a few funny anecdotes here or there about the foolishness of various kings. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that the experience as a whole was rather pleasant.