History of England traces the country from ancient Britain through Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, Viking invasions, Norman rule and the later medieval monarchy to the Tudors and the making of the modern state. It continues through civil war, industrialisation, empire and the world wars. The book focuses on the major rulers, conflicts and institutions that changed English government and society while placing them within wider British and European developments.
The long perspective allows institutions to be followed across regime changes. Monarchy, Parliament, law, taxation and local government repeatedly alter their functions rather than appearing fully formed in a single period. The survey therefore links conquest and civil war to slower developments in administration and social organisation that continue even when dynasties change.
Saul David
3 books
Adrian Goldsworthy
12 books
Alison Weir
35 books
Peter Ackroyd
1 book