Book Review: Great Tales from English History
Robert Lacey's Three Volumes of British History Combined
May 25, 2008
An amalgamation of Robert Lacey’s Great Tales Volumes 1-3, Great Tales from English History (Little, Brown, 2007) is a comprehensive overview of English history from the earliest history to the scientific discoveries of the 1950's.
Written in an approachable, relaxed style, Great Tales from English History is an ideal introduction to British history. Lacey recounts significant events and individuals in more than 150 snapshots of English history that leave readers hungry for more. He captures the imagination of his readers by combining facts with the personalities and legends who truly define the identity of the British nation.
Royalty, Courtiers and Political Intrigue
The British royal family have long fascinated people from around the globe. In his collection of anecdotes and tales, Lacey demonstrates that modern royal mishaps, scandals and indiscretions are nothing new. In addition to the many tales of love affairs gone wrong there are tales that have taken on mythical status, such as the naked ride of Lady Godiva.
With the auspicious heading of “5/11: England’s First Terrorist”, Lacey shares the story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. Intrigue in the courts of British royalty was as prevalent as the affairs and indiscretions and many tales of wars and civil unrest come back to betrayals and intrigues in the courts of the reigning monarch.
Religion, Science and Literature
The tale of Britain’s first historian The Venerable Bede, the commissioning of the King James Bible and the murder of Thomas Becket are a few of the many moments in British history where religious figures and agendas have taken a prominent role. In contrast, Lacey provides stories of great scientific figures such as Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton.
The tragedy of the Black Plague highlights the unnecessary suffering and deaths caused by the lack of scientific knowledge of the people of the time. This is most significantly represented in the story of the village of Eyam, where the villagers chose to quarantine themselves to protect their neighbours from the Black Death. Modern science now tells us that their decision was futile at best and guaranteed a much higher mortality rate for their village than they would have otherwise suffered.
The Arts and Sports are not neglected with stories about Mary Wollstonecraft, Chaucer, Samuel Johnson’s dictionary and the Bodyline controversy connected with The Ashes cricketing matches.
Tales and Legends of English History
Great Tales from English History is not intended as a comprehensive and detailed timeline of people, places and events. Lacey unapologetically declares that his aim is to share the stories and tales that have defined England, but that he does so in a style that is more storyteller than historian.
His stories are well-researched and he provides a comprehensive list of original sources, many with website links. He has also included myths and legends such as King Arthur that while not strictly “true”, are a very real part of the fabric of English history. His aim is to capture the essence of those “extraordinary people who made Britain great”, a task he achieves with great success.
Great Tales offers readers a glimpse at the rich and diverse background of English history and will inspire many to further explore the fascinating characters brought to life again by Robert Lacey’s deft and enthralling storytelling skills. This book is ideal for those who want an enjoyable overview of British history that is factual but not clinical.
Related Article: Great Tales from English History, Volumes 1 and 2
