The History of England, from the Accession of James II

Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800-59) was widely admired throughout his life for his prose, poetry, political acumen and oratorical skills. Among the most successful and enthralling histories ever written, his History of England won instantaneous success following the publication of its first volumes in 1849, and was rapidly translated into most European languages. Beginning with the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and concluding at the end of the reign of William III in 1702, it illuminates a time of deep struggle throughout Britain and Ireland in vivid and compelling prose. But while Macaulay offers a gripping narrative, and draws on a wide range of sources including historical accounts and creative literature, his enduring success also owes a great deal to his astonishing ability to grasp, and explain, the political reality that has always underpinned social change. Lord Macaulay: Introduction Whig History Thomas Babington Macaulay The History of England A Note on the Text Bibliographical Note Chronological Notes The History of England Macaulay's Purpose The State of England in 1685: Squires and Parsons The New Reign James II's Dissenting Allies: The Quakers William Penn George Fox The First Revolts: Argyll, Monmouth, and the Bloody Assize James II and the Catholic Parties The Jesuits The English Catholic Gentry James II Looks to Ireland William of Orange The Attack on the Universities The Seven Bishops James II's Irish Army The Arrival of the Prince of Orange The Vacancy of Government William of Orange Becomes King of England The Revolution in Ireland The Siege of Londonderry, April-July 1689 The Battle of the Boyne, 30 June 1690 The Sieges of Limerick, 1690, 1691 The Revolution in Scotland The State of the Highlands The Battle of Killiecrankie, 27 July 1689 The Church Settlement of Scotland, 1690-91 The Massacre of Glencoe, 13 February 1692 The Non-jurors The English Non-jurors The Scottish Non-jurors The War with France The Battle of La Hogue, 24 May 1692 The Peace of Ryswick, 1697 Economic Consequences of the Revolution The National Debt, 1693 The Bank of England, 1694 The Darien Scheme, 1695-9 The New Threat: Parliamentary Corruption The Summing Up Index Table of Contents......Page 2 CHAPTER I.......Page 3 CHAPTER II.......Page 62 CHAPTER III.......Page 112 CHAPTER IV.......Page 165 CHAPTER V.......Page 199 CHAPTER VI......Page 291 CHAPTER VII......Page 348 CHAPTER VIII......Page 388 CHAPTER IX......Page 434 CHAPTER X......Page 493 CHAPTER XI......Page 575 CHAPTER XII......Page 621 CHAPTER XIII.......Page 663 CHAPTER XIV......Page 712 CHAPTER XV......Page 752 CHAPTER XVI......Page 795 CHAPTER XVII......Page 894 CHAPTER XVIII......Page 935 CHAPTER XIX......Page 984 CHAPTER XX......Page 1029 CHAPTER XXI......Page 1087 CHAPTER XXII......Page 1145 PREFACE TO THE FIFTH VOLUME.......Page 1241 CHAPTER XXIII......Page 1242 CHAPTER XXIV......Page 1286 CHAPTER XXV.......Page 1326 Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800-1859) won instantaneous and outstanding success in prose poetry, in politics and oratory. His History , translated throughout Europe and achieving sales in America second only to the Bible, immediately became the canon of historical orthodoxy, replacing previous histories so completely that it is now difficult to see past its long and apparently effortless triumph. 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. Begins with the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and concludes at the end of the reign of William III in 1702. This book presents a time of deep struggle throughout Britain and Ireland in vivid prose. It offers a gripping narrative, and draws on a wide range of sources including historical accounts and creative literature. Examines Social, Economic, And Political Forces And Events That Contributed To The Shaping Of The Modern Nation. Lord Macaulay ; Edited And Abridged With An Introduction By Hugh Trevor-roper. Includes Index. Bibliography: P. [45]-46.