The History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 1, Chapter 04)


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(5 stars; 5 reviews)

This chapter is a bit of a mixture. It begins with the death of Charles II and then goes on to James II. Judge Jeffries then makes an appearance in a riot of slapstick absurdity when viewed from so far away. Although, at the time of the ‘Bloody Assizes’ he will have been much feared and hated by many.There are more to-and fro-ings in the Houses of Parliament. The Scots Covenanters make an appearance, and Dangerfield and Oates get their come-uppance. Macaulay paints the mid to late 17th century in a mad effervescence of colour.

Summary by Jim Mowatt (3 hr 11 min)

Chapters

Chapter IV, Part 1 28:00 Read by Jim Mowatt
Chapter IV, Part 2 22:59 Read by ianish
Chapter IV, Part 3 11:46 Read by Jim Mowatt
Chapter IV, Part 4 16:49 Read by ianish
Chapter IV, Part 5 14:52 Read by ianish
Chapter IV, Part 6 9:49 Read by Jim Mowatt
Chapter IV, Part 7 13:11 Read by ianish
Chapter IV, Part 8 19:50 Read by ianish
Chapter IV, Part 9 8:21 Read by Gesine
Chapter IV, Part 10 8:15 Read by Peter Groom
Chapter IV, Part 11 18:01 Read by Peter Groom
Chapter IV, Part 12 19:30 Read by Jim Mowatt

Reviews

This is the 1st. book. Libravox please ORGANISE THIS BETTER


(5 stars)

Often classed alongside "The King James Bible", and the works of Shakespeare as one of the greatest works of classic English prose. Although written with a Whig heavy political bias, (criticised by both conservatives and by Karl Marx), McCauley makes no apologies for over the top glorification of liberal events in English history and a somewhat twisted perception of the political vicissitudes of the time, overall this still represents an important canon of 17th century English history. But the real delight is the awesome, beautiful prose. Macaulay was a master of literary composition. His style is unequalled by many, including the best literary giants. A masterclass in epic prose,  dramatic narrative & extensive vocabulary. Even if you're not a fan of history, it's a powerful & educational tome of superior English literature. Absorb it alongside Eliot, Austen & Shakespeare if you want to really appreciate & improve your own English. SHAME ON LIBRAVOX FOR NOT BETTER ORDERING THE VOLUMES.