De Republica Anglorum: By Sir Thomas Smith

De Republica Anglorum was written by Sir Thomas Smith in 1562–5 when he was Queen Elizabeth's ambassador to France. His avowed intention was to describe English social institutions, judicial system and governmental procedures for the benefit of foreigners, explaining in what way the English system 'differs from the others'. A renowned scholar, with considerable experience in government, he succeeded in producing an account which has always been considered a major source of information and i...