Chapters
20 totalHEREIN WILL BE FOUND A RECITAL OF THE MANY EVENTFUL EVENTS WHICH TRANSPIRED IN ENGLAND FROM THE DRUIDS TO HENRY VIII. THE AUTHOR DOES NOT FEEL IT INCUMBENT ON HIM TO PRESERVE MORE THAN THE DATES AND FACTS, AND THESE ARE CORRECT, BUT THE LIGHTS AND SHADES OF THE VARIOUS PICTURES AND THE ORNAMENTAL WORDS FURNISHED TO ADORN THE CHARACTERS AND EVENTS ARE THE SOLE INVENTION OF THIS HISTORIAN.
PREFACE.
CHAPTER I. - INVASION OF CAESAR: THE DISCOVERY OF TIN AND CONSEQUENT ENLIGHTENMENT OF BRITAIN.
CHAPTER II. - THE VARIOUS ROMAN YOKES: THEIR GROWTH, DEGENERATION, AND FINAL ELIMINATION.
CHAPTER III. - THE ADVENT OF THE ANGLES: CAUSES WHICH LED TO THE REHABILITATION OF BRITAIN ON NEW LINES.
CHAPTER IV. - THE INFLUX OF THE DANES: FACTS SHOWING CONCLUSIVELY THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE BRITON OF TO-DAY.
CHAPTER V. - THE TROUBLOUS MIDDLE AGES: DEMONSTRATING A SHORT REIGN FOR THOSE WHO TRAVEL AT A ROYAL GAIT.
CHAPTER VI. - THE DANISH OLIGARCHY: DISAFFECTIONS ATTENDING CHRONIC USURPATION PROCLIVITIES.
CHAPTER VII. - OTHER DISAGREEABLE CLAIMANTS: FOREIGN FOIBLES INTRODUCED, ONLY TO BE EXPUNGED WITH CHARACTERISTIC PUGNACITY.
CHAPTER VIII. - THE NORMAN CONQUEST: COMPLEX COMMINGLING OF FACETIOUS ACCORD AND IMPLACABLE DISCORD.
Description
Step into a lively, illustrated tour of England’s past where myths and dates mingle with sharp wit. From the mystic druids and the Roman landing to the Viking influx and the Norman conquest, the author treats each era as a stage for colorful characters, dressing real events in playful dialogue and exaggerated quirks. The plentiful black‑and‑white plates by Goodes and Richards bring the satire to life, letting listeners picture a king in disguise or a knight tripping over his own armor.
The narrative keeps a solid backbone of documented dates while joyfully embellishing motives, court intrigues, and the ever‑shifting power games that led to the Tudor rise. By the time Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn looms, the tone remains cheeky but respectful, offering insight into human ambition behind the pageantry. Listeners will find a blend of education and amusement that makes history feel like a lively theatre rather than a dusty record.
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Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (151K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
About the author
Bill Nye
1850–1896
A sharp, popular humorist of the late 19th century, he turned everyday frustrations, politics, and American life into playful satire that reached a huge newspaper audience. His writing feels brisk and mischievous, with the voice of a born columnist who knew how to land a punchline.
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