Recommended Reading

This grammar school level introduction to British history covers many of the most important characters and incidents of British history, and is richly illustrated. It covers many of the most important and romantic incidents of English history, from the rebellion of Boadicea to the reign of Queen Victoria, in a manner that is easily accessible to elementary students.

Attractive biographical sketches of thirty-five of the most prominent characters in the history of the Middle Ages, from the barbarian invasions to the invention of the printing press. Subjects include Rollo the Viking, Henry the Fowler, Canute the Great, Peter the Hermit, Marco Polo, and many more. Each story is told in a clear, simple manner, and is well calculated to awaken and stimulate the youthful imagination.

This book recounts six stories from early English history written for grammar school students, beginning with the Celtic hero Caradoc and ending with Sir Francis Drake. Other tales include the story of Augustine of Kent and the conversion of the Saxons to Christianity, William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings, King John and the murder of his rival Prince Arthur, and the story of the Black Prince at Crecy and Poitiers.

This volume retells the famous Anglo-Saxon saga in the manner of a folktale, with the heroic qualities emphasized. It relates how Beowulf, the hero of the Saxons, came to Daneland, and how he overcame the ogre Grendel and the waterwitch. It closes with the story of how the fire dragon warred with the Goth folk and how Beowulf fought his last fight.

Sir Francis Drake was one of the most colorful characters in Elizabethan England. He was a sworn enemy of the Spanish and spent many years plundering their ships and towns in the new world, both to enrich himself and to strike a blow at England's most threatening enemy. He was only the second European, after Magellan, to pass Cape Horn in South America and sail around the world, but it is his daring feats and audacious exploits against Spain for which he is best known.

Marshall's storybook of English history is an undeniable classic, popular with generations of British children. It takes a romantic view of English history, combining the most well-known stories from British history with legends and folklore. It begins with the legends of Albion and Brutus and covers Roman Britain, the British Middle Ages, and the rise of England through the Hanoverian Kings.

Middle school level introduction to British history, from the age of the Celts and Druids to the Victorian Age. Many of the most romantic stories from English history are recounted in simple terms for school aged children. Includes a great many famous anecdotes and legends from English history. Stories about Arthur, Alfred, Canute, Lady Godiva, William the Conqueror, Thomas Becket, Richard Coeur d' Leon, and many others English heroes are featured.

Alfred the Great is one of the most outstanding characters of English history and this books brings him to life in an appealing manner for students of all ages. The book spends a considerable amount of time on the childhood of Alfred and tells how at twenty-two he inherited a land overrun by savage pirates,—a restless ignorant, defenseless land. After spending most of his youth in conflict with the invaders, the final chapters tell how he fought the Danes and restored the country to a condition of peace and safety. Students who enjoy this book will also enjoy In the Days of William the Conqueror, another book in the series.

This story of Robert Bruce, hero of Scotland, is an action-packed tale of one of the greatest patriotic heroes of Scotland. Deprived of his crown by Edward I of England, who had completely subjugated Scotland by the time he came of age, he won back Scotland's independence against terrific odds. With lots of hand-to-hand combat, treachery, and larger-than-life action, the story of Robert the Bruce is one of the greatest adventure-dramas in English history

This biography of Oliver Cromwell, the fierce puritan general who led the Roundheads to victory in the English Civil War and formed the Commonwealth government very ably describes the problems of the age, and Cromwell's role in permanently transforming the English monarchy. It is an excellent intermediate biography, suitable for mature middle school or high school students who would like to better understand this critical period in English history.

This book presents the broader movements of European history, emphasizing the main factors which have gone into the development of the various European states from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Reformation. The history of England is included only when that country plays a prominent part in the politics of Europe. A full treatment of the period immediately following the fall of the Roman Empire is given, since that period provides the necessary key to future developments. Maps, timelines, and genealogy charts of the various royal houses of Europe contribute to making this book an excellent resource for the study of the Middle Ages in Europe.

This selection of stories from English history includes many well-known episodes, but also a variety of lesser known but romantic events. Morris is an excellent writer and his stories are told with enough detail and dramatic flair to be of interest to an older student or adult. Although there are many familiar heroes, a good number are less well-known, such as Elfrida, Hereward, Arabella Stuart, and Prince Charles.

This book presents an excellent intermediate level history of sixteenth and seventeenth century England. The Tudor section provides details of how the Reformation came about, including the closing of the monasteries and widespread religious persecutions. The Stuart section explains the rising conflict between parliament and the monarchy, the relationship between religious and political freedom, and the rise of political parties and religious toleration.

A terrific and accessible introduction to English literature by one of Britain's greatest authors of juvenile history. All of the major authors and literature of England are covered, from the Celtic ballads to the nineteenth century greats such as Dickens and Thackeray. Short examples of most of the literature is included, along with fascinating biographies.

Even before invading England to claim the throne, William the Conqueror was recognized throughout Europe as the greatest warrior of his time. His entire life was a series of battles and rebellions in which he was uniformly successful. He was often hated but always respected by his subjects, and his iron-fisted policies were more effective in ruling England than in managing his own family. Other books in this series, including Richard I, Margaret of Anjou, and Mary Queen of Scots are also of great interest.