
The Comic History of England
Enriched edition. A Humorous Journey Through England's Past and PoliticsBy Gilbert Abbott À BeckettLength27h 35m
About this audiobook
In "The Comic History of England," Gilbert Abbott À Beckett skillfully intertwines humor and historical narrative to offer readers a satirical yet insightful commentary on English history from the Saxon era to the mid-19th century. À Beckett employs a whimsical literary style, blending parody with detailed anecdotes and caricatures of pivotal figures, revealing the idiosyncrasies of the English character and society. The book stands as a notable example of Victorian humor, exploring themes of national identity and British eccentricity while challenging conventional historical narratives through a comedic lens. Gilbert Abbott À Beckett, a prominent figure in 19th-century literature, was influenced by his background in law and humor. His work reflects the spirit of the age, embracing the burgeoning fascination with both satire and social commentary. À Beckett's experiences as a playwright, editor, and contributor to various periodicals enriched his ability to critique societal norms, effectively using comedy as a tool for reflection and critique, which is evident throughout this work. For readers seeking a unique blend of history and humor, "The Comic History of England" is a compelling read. It provides not only entertainment but also a fresh perspective on the complexities of English history, making it essential for both history enthusiasts and those appreciative of literary wit.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreHistory
Length27 hrs 35 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateMay 19, 2021
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Original Size
104Original Size
2PREFACE.
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3BOOK I.
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4CHAPTER THE FIRST. THE BRITONS—THE ROMANS—INVASION BY JULIUS CÆSAR.
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5Original Size
108CHAPTER THE SIXTH. EDWARD THE FIFTH.
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109Original Size
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8CHAPTER THE SECOND. INVASION BY THE ROMANS UNDER CLAUDIUS—CARACTACUS—BOADICEA—AGRICOLA—-GALGACUS—SEVERUS—VORTIGERN CALLS IN THE SAXONS.: Original Size
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9CHAPTER THE THIRD. THE SAXONS—THE HEPTARCHY.
112CHAPTER THE SEVENTH. RICHARD THE THIRD.
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11CHAPTER THE FOURTH. THE UNION OF THE HEPTARCHY UNDER EGBERT.
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13CHAPTER THE FIFTH. THE DANES—ALFRED.: Original Size
116CHAPTER THE EIGHTH. NATIONAL INDUSTRY.
14CHAPTER THE SIXTH. FROM KING EDWARD THE ELDER TO THE NORMAN CONQUEST.
117CHAPTER THE NINTH. OF THE MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AND CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE.
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118BOOK V. FROM THE ACCESSION OF HENRY THE SEVENTH TO THE END OF THE REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
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119CHAPTER THE FIRST. HENRY THE SEVENTH.
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20CHAPTER THE SEVENTH. EDMUND IRONSIDES—CANUTE—HAROLD HAREFOOT—HARDICANUTE—EDWARD THE CONFESSOR—HAROLD—THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS.
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125CHAPTER THE SECOND. HENRY THE EIGHTH.
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130CHAPTER THE THIRD. HENRY THE EIGHTH (CONTINUED).
28BOOK II. THE PERIOD FROM THE NORMAN CONQUEST TO THE DEATH OF KING JOHN.
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29CHAPTER THE FIRST. WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR.
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134CHAPTER THE FOURTH. HENRY THE EIGHTH (CONTINUED.)
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33CHAPTER THE SECOND. WILLIAM RUFUS.
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139CHAPTER THE FIFTH. HENRY THE EIGHTH (CONCLUDED).
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38CHAPTER THE THIRD. HENRY THE FIRST, SURNAMED BEAUCLERC.: Original Size
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39CHAPTER THE FOURTH. STEPHEN.: Original Size
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40CHAPTER THE FIFTH. HENRY THE SECOND, SURNAMED PLANTAGENET.
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44CHAPTER THE SIXTH. RICHARD THE FIRST, SURNAMED COUR DE LION.
147CHAPTER THE SIXTH. EDWARD THE SIXTH.
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149CHAPTER THE SEVENTH. MARY.
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49CHAPTER THE SEVENTH. JOHN, SURNAMED SANSTERRE, OR LACKLAND.
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153CHAPTER THE EIGHTH. ELIZABETH.: Original Size
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154CHAPTER THE NINTH. ELIZABETH (CONTINUED).
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54BOOK III. THE PERIOD FROM THE ACCESSION OF HENRY THE THIRD, TO THE END OF THE REIGN OF RICHARD THE SECOND. A.D. 1216—1399.
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55CHAPTER THE FIRST. HENRY THE THIRD, SURNAMED OF WINCHESTER.
158CHAPTER THE TENTH. ELIZABETH (CONCLUDED).
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159BOOK VI. FROM THE PERIOD OF THE ACCESSION OF JAMES THE FIRST TO THE RESTORATION OF CHARLES THE SECOND.
57CHAPTER THE SECOND. EDWARD THE FIRST, SURNAMED LONGSHANKS.
160CHAPTER THE FIRST. JAMES THE FIRST.
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164Original Size
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165CHAPTER THE SECOND. JAMES THE FIRST (CONTINUED).
63CHAPTER THE THIRD. EDWARD THE SECOND, SURNAMED OF CAERNARVON.
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65CHAPTER THE FOURTH. EDWARD THE THIRD.
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169CHAPTER THE THIRD. CHARLES THE FIRST.
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171CHAPTER THE FOURTH. CHARLES THE FIRST (CONTINUED).
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173CHAPTER THE FIFTH CHARLES THE FIRST (CONCLUDED).
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174CHAPTER THE SIXTH. THE COMMONWEALTH.
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75CHAPTER THE FIFTH. RICHARD THE SECOND, SURNAMED OF BORDEAUX.
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181CHAPTER THE SEVENTH. RICHARD CROMWELL.
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182CHAPTER THE EIGHTH. ON THE NATIONAL INDUSTRY AND THE LITERATURE, MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AND CONDITION OP THE PEOPLE.: Original Size
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183BOOK VII. THE PERIOD FROM THE RESTORATION OF CHARLES THE SECOND TO THE REVOLUTION.
81CHAPTER THE SIXTH. ON THE MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AND CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE.: Original Size
184CHAPTER THE FIRST. CHARLES THE SECOND.
82BOOK IV. THE PERIOD FROM THE ACCESSION OF HENRY THE FOURTH TO THE END OF THE REIGN OF RICHARD THE THIRD, A.D. 1399—1485.
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83CHAPTER THE FIRST. HENRY THE FOURTH, SURNAMED BOLINGBROKE.
186CHAPTER THE SECOND. CHARLES THE SECOND (CONTINUED).
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88CHAPTER THE SECOND. HENRY THE FIFTH, SURNAMED OF MONMOUTH.
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192CHAPTER THE THIRD. CHARLES THE SECOND (CONTINUED).
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194CHAPTER THE FOURTH. JAMES THE SECOND.
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195CHAPTER THE FIFTH. LITERATURE, SCIENCE, FINE ARTS, MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AND CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE.
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196BOOK VIII. THE PERIOD FROM THE REVOLUTION TO THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE THE THIRD.
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197CHAPTER THE FIRST. WILLIAM AND MARY.
95CHAPTER THE THIRD. HENRY THE SIXTH, SURNAMED OF WINDSOR.
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96CHAPTER THE FOURTH. HENRY THE SIXTH, SURNAMED OF WINDSOR (CONTINUED).
199CHAPTER THE SECOND. WILLIAM THE THIRD.: Original Size
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200CHAPTER THE THIRD. QUEEN ANNE.
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202CHAPTER THE FOURTH. GEORGE THE FIRST.: Original Size
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203CHAPTER THE FIFTH. GEORGE THE SECOND.: Original Size
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204CHAPTER THE SIXTH. GEORGE THE SECOND (CONCLUDED).
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205CHAPTER THE SEVENTH. ON THE CONSTITUTION, GOVERNMENT AND LAWS, NATIONAL INDUSTRY, LITERATURE, SCIENCE, FINE ARTS, MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AND CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE.: THE END.
103CHAPTER THE FIFTH. EDWARD THE FOURTH.