Great Tales from English History, Book 2
Joan of Arc, the Princes in the Tower, Bloody Mary, Oliver Cromwell, Sir Isaac Newton, and More
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نقد و بررسی
March 14, 2005
Acclaimed historian Lacey's second volume on English history opens in 1348, the year of the Black Plague, which wiped out half of England's five million people, and proceeds through the astonishing scientific discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton in 1687. Along the way, we meet characters as diverse as Chaucer, Richard II, Henry IV, William Caxton, Guy Fawkes, Richard Whittington, Lady Jane Grey and Titus Oates. In lively vignettes, Lacey (The Year 1000
; Majesty
) also regales us with such events as the Puritan civil war, the London fire of 1666 and Sir Walter Raleigh's voyages to the New World. Political and religious dissent dominate these tales. Lacey captures the humor inherent in the evolution of England's history; thus, he includes the story of the first modern water closet, invented by Queen Elizabeth's godson, Sir John Harrington. In addition, Lacey briefly chronicles the British attraction to the rare and the exotic in the tale of John Tradescant's opening to the public in the 1630s of his collection of artifacts and curiosities—England's "first museum." Lacey's animated prose, energetic storytelling and spirited approach to British history bring the past to life. 51 b&w illus., 2 maps.
Starred review from March 15, 2005
Popular historian Lacey, coauthor of the best-selling "The Year 100", presents a second volume of tales from English history. While the first volume explored the myths and legends of early history, this equally entertaining installment gives anecdotal vignettes of royalty, clerics, scoundrels, and a motley cast of other characters dating from 1386 to 1688. Each brief chapter immerses us in English history by focusing on a single character or pivotal event. This volume covers an important period; the language as we know it today was beginning to develop, Protestantism and Parliamentary democracy emerged, and important scientists and architects shaped the land. Lacey's jaunty, contemporary style is perfect for what some might consider dry historical facts, though Lacey is extraordinarily careful with those facts, and exacting in the details. The result is a series of lively accounts that will beguile anyone trying to recollect received British history. Highly recommended for public libraries, as well as school and undergraduate libraries. -Gail Benjafield, St. Catharines P.L., Ont.
Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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