The History of England

This is perhaps the best book I have ever read. It is the story of William of Oranage and James II. The descriptions of James's clash with the Bishops is purely Shakesperian, the description of La Hogue is fantastic. The history and historiography is well-analysed elsewhere, but surprise for me was the sheer power and joy of the narrative. Get the four volume set, its even better.

This is a book for those who are tired of efforts like "2000 Years of History" in about 150 pages. This is fewer than three years in a thick volume! It is, in fact, Volume II of Macaulay's History of England and covers 1685-1688: the Glorious Revolution. It is a pity that the other volumes are not as readily available, because, first, it is wonderful 19th Century English prose, second, some background (like Volume I) would be helpful to most American readers, and, third, one would love to have the other volumes. If you've ever wondered what the "Whig View of History" means--you won't after finishing this volumme.

This was my first taste of Macaulay and I'm an aficianado! I was exhilirated by the accounts of English unanimity and activism in the face of a royal tyrant. I was refreshed by a volume of history that, for its honesty, scholarship and its spirit of freedom, was so unlike the many insipid, politically-correct, and poorly-argued texts of modern historians. I was inspired to read of an actual case of widespread resistance to arbitrary government which succeeded by its sheer tenacity employing, however, moderate and unfanatical means. I was enlightened by a view of the Highlander culture and Scottish scene generally(in the 70-odd pages of chapter 16) that had a very realistic feel to it and was a great antidote to the more fantastic intimations of the popular Mel Gibson movie regarding an earlier era in Scottish history. The descriptions of battles are detailed, interesting, and a needed reality check for those who have not experienced warfare and think of it as a big video game.Although there was an unpleasant aspect of the book for me(Macaulay's views of Penn) that didn't quite ring true, this book is one of the truly classic histories of all time!

After Edward Gibbon there is no historian in the English language who can hold a candle to Macaulay. His prose is so luminous it practically glows in the dark. This abridgment focusing upon the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688 sums up Macaulay's assesment of its events and meaning. Not a revolution for aristocrats only, but a revolution that increased and secured the liberties of all English people. Essential reading for all lovers of history.

My comment is brief: Thomas Babington Macaulay wrote with such brilliant clarity, such a command of facts, and such a deep understanding of society that even this abridged version of his magnum opus reads like a great novel. Macaulay's History of England is timeless.