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Cover of A History of England from Early Times: A Linked Index to the Project Gutenberg Editions

A History of England from Early Times: A Linked Index to the Project Gutenberg Editions

Written by T. (Tobias) Smollett,David Hume,Edward Farr,E. H. (Edward Henry) Nolan

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About this book

"A History of England from Early Times: A Linked Index to the Project Gutenberg…" by David Hume, with continuations by Tobias Smollett and others, is a comprehensive historical account written in the 18th century. This book explores the significant events and figures in English history from its earliest days until the Victorian era. The likely topic of the book encompasses the political, social, and cultural evolution of England throughout various monarchies and notable historical periods. The work is organized into multiple volumes that chronologically cover different epochs, starting from the early British tribes, through the Roman conquest, the establishment of various kingdoms, and the rule of influential monarchs such as William the Conqueror and Henry VIII. Each chapter delves into the lives of prominent figures and the implications of their reigns, alongside pivotal moments like the signing of the Magna Carta and the English Civil War. The meticulous structure and detail allow readers to gain insights into how England transformed through successive generations and the foundational events that shaped its national identity.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A History of England from Early Times: A Linked Index to the Project Gutenberg Editions, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • informative
  • formal
  • scholarly

A History of England from Early Times, a monumental collaborative work primarily by David Hume with continuations by Tobias Smollett and others, offers a sweeping historical narrative of England from its ancient origins through to the Victorian era. Published in the 18th century, this multi-volume compendium meticulously chronicles the political, social, and cultural evolution of the nation. It systematically covers key epochs, from the early British tribes and Roman conquest to the rise of influential monarchies like the Normans and Tudors, detailing pivotal events such as the Magna Carta and the English Civil War. The book serves as a foundational historical text, providing detailed accounts of significant figures and the transformative events that forged England's national identity over centuries.

“"The history of a nation is not merely the chronicle of its kings, but the unfolding of its spirit through successive ages."”

Key themes

Power and Monarchy
A central theme is the continuous struggle for and exercise of power, primarily through the institution of monarchy. The book examines the shifting balance of power between the monarch, the nobility, Parliament, and the Church, illustrating how different rulers asserted or lost authority and the profound consequences of these dynamics.
Evolution of National Identity
The book meticulously traces how various invasions, cultural fusions (e.g., Anglo-Saxon and Norman), religious shifts, and political developments gradually forged a distinct English national identity from disparate tribal groups and kingdoms. It explores the emergence of common laws, language, and institutions that bound the people together.
Social and Political Change
The history meticulously documents the profound transformations in English society and politics over centuries. It covers the evolution of feudalism into more modern social structures, the development of legal systems, the rise of parliamentary democracy, and shifts in economic life, from agrarian societies to early industrialization. It highlights how these changes often resulted from conflict, innovation, and adaptation.

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How do the biases of 18th-century historians like Hume and Smollett shape their interpretation of English history?

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