Froude's History of England   By: Charles Kingsley (1819-1875)

Froude's History of England by Charles Kingsley, is an engaging and thought-provoking narrative that provides a unique perspective on the historical events that shaped England.

Kingsley's writing style is both captivating and immersive, taking readers on a journey through centuries of political, religious, and social upheavals. The book captures the essence of the periods it covers, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the key events and individuals who have shaped England's history.

One of the strengths of this book is Kingsley's ability to weave together different historical narratives into a coherent and gripping storyline. He skillfully connects the dots between various reigns, dynasties, and historical milestones, making the complex nature of history accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Additionally, Kingsley provides insightful analysis and interpretation of the events, offering readers new perspectives on well-known historical figures and their actions.

Furthermore, this book delves into the cultural and social aspects of England's history, enabling readers to understand the norms, values, and struggles of different time periods. Kingsley's attention to detail is evident throughout, whether discussing the influence of religion or exploring the impact of industrialization on society. These insights enrich the overall reading experience, bringing history to life and showcasing its significance in shaping the present.

However, a potential drawback of Froude's History of England is that it occasionally adopts a biased viewpoint. Kingsley's personal beliefs and opinions may overshadow objectivity at times, leading to interpretations that may not align with widely accepted historical analysis. It is important for readers to be aware of this potential bias and approach the book with a critical mindset.

Despite this minor flaw, Froude's History of England remains a remarkable piece of historical literature. Kingsley's passion for the subject matter shines through every page, making it evident that this is a labor of love. It is undoubtedly a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding England's past, offering an engaging, comprehensive, and thought-provoking exploration of the nation's history.

First Page:

There appeared a few years since a 'Comic History of England,' duly caricaturing and falsifying all our great national events, and representing the English people, for many centuries back, as a mob of fools and knaves, led by the nose in each generation by a few arch fools and arch knaves. Some thoughtful persons regarded the book with utter contempt and indignation; it seemed to them a crime to have written it; a proof of 'banausia,' as Aristotle would have called it, only to be outdone by the writing a 'Comic Bible.' After a while, however, their indignation began to subside; their second thoughts, as usual, were more charitable than their first; they were not surprised to hear that the author was an honest, just, and able magistrate; they saw that the publication of such a book involved no moral turpitude; that it was merely meant as a jest on a subject on which jesting was permissible, and as a money speculation in a field of which men had a right to make money; while all which seemed offensive in it was merely the outcome, and as it were apotheosis, of that method of writing English history which has been popular for nearly a hundred years... Continue reading book >>