The History of England

by Jane Austen

Overview

The History of England is a playful and sharply satirical take on the schoolroom history texts of Jane Austen’s time, written when she was just 15.

Covering the reigns of English monarchs from Henry IV to Charles I, this early work reveals Austen's precocious wit and already sophisticated narrative voice. Far from a dry historical account, the young writer proudly declares herself a ‘partial, prejudiced, and ignorant historian’, turning the traditional chronicle of England’s kings and queens into a spirited lampoon. With tongue firmly in cheek, she pokes fun at revered figures and scholarly historians alike, lacing her commentary with exaggerated opinions, vivid characters, and her own distinctive spelling quirks.

This lively piece of juvenilia showcases the seeds of Austen’s later brilliance and her enduring gift for irony and social critique. The History of England is a delightful glimpse into the playful mind of one of literature’s most beloved authors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781528786096
Publisher:	Read & Co. Classics
Publication date:	09/11/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	22
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Jane Austen (1775–1817) was an English author born in Hampshire, England. She’s best-known for her novels in which she critiques 18th century society and displays her characteristically sharp wit. Austen’s most famous works include Sense and Sensibility, 1811, Pride and Prejudice, 1813, and Emma, 1816. Although her works have now been translated and printed in editions across the globe, Austen was relatively unknown during her lifetime, publishing her novels anonymously.

Date of Birth:

December 16, 1775

Date of Death:

July 18, 1817

Place of Birth:

Village of Steventon in Hampshire, England

Place of Death:

Winchester, Hampshire, England

Education:

Taught at home by her father

Table of Contents

Jane Austen

1. Henry the 4th

2. Henry the 5th

3. Henry the 6th

4. Edward the 4th

5. Edward the 5th

6. Richard the 3rd

7. Henry the 7th

8. Henry the 8th

9. Edward the 6th

10. Mary

11. Elizabeth

12. James the 1st

13. Charles the 1st