The Comic History of England

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

À Beckett, Gilbert Abbott, 1811-1856

Contributor:

Leech, John, 1817-1864

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"The Comic History of England" by Gilbert Abbott À Beckett is a humorous historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work seeks to present English history in an entertaining manner, blending factual storytelling with wit and satire. With a series of illustrations by John Leech, the book promises not only to amuse but also to enlighten readers about the quirks and follies of England's past. The opening of the book sets the tone for this comedic retelling by introducing the author's intention to deliver historical facts infused with humor. A preface outlines his goal of rendering history palatable without sacrificing substance, emphasizing that the truths of the past should not be obscured by fanciful embellishments. The early chapters delve into the Romans' interaction with the Britons, showcasing the often ridiculous nature of historical events, from Julius Caesar's invasions to absurd factions among ancient historians. The text is replete with playful language, as Becket calls out the misinterpretations of early antiquarians, thus inviting readers to appreciate history's eccentricities with a light-hearted perspective. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by David Widger from page scans graciously provided by Google Books

Notes:

Reading ease score: 53.4 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2014-02-09