Part 12 (1/2)

(Macmillan.) ”How to Live in the Country.” E. P. Powell (Outing Publis.h.i.+ng Co.) ”A Self-Supporting Home” and ”The Earth's Bounty.” Kate V. St Maur. (Macmillan.)

CHAPTER XII

THE HISTORY OF ENGLAND

In studying the subject presented, for general reference use ”The Short History of England” by E. P. Cheney (Ginn & Co.), and Halleck's ”English Literature” (American Book Company). All topics can also be looked up in the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

I--DRUIDS, CELTS, ROMANS, AND SAXONS

Begin with some idea of the prehistoric conditions in Great Britain, and have a map study. Follow with a sketch of the Druids, the Celts and their folk lore and the Arthurian legends.

The Roman conquest comes next. Read Tennyson's ”Boadicea.” Discuss: What did Rome give England of permanent value?

The early Saxons will bring in the coming of St. Augustine to England and the history of early Christianity there. Read of Caedmon at Whitby and the Venerable Bede, as the beginnings of English literature.

Following this will be the stories of Alfred and his reforms, of Edward the Confessor, and Harold. Read from the ”Death of Columba” (Bede's Ecclesiastical History, Bohn's Library), Bulwer's ”Harold,” and ”Beowulf” (translation in Riverside Literary Series, Houghton Mifflin & Co.).

II--THE NORMANS AND PLANTAGENETS

The economic and political changes of this time should be especially emphasized. Domesday Book, Magna Charta, the development of the feudal system, chivalry, the rise in power of the n.o.bles, the hards.h.i.+ps of the poor, the Normans on the Continent, and the Crusaders, with their effect on commerce, are all to be taken up. Have readings from Charles Kingsley's ”Hereward the Wake,” Scott's ”Talisman,” and Maurice Hewlett's ”Richard Yea-and-Nay.”

The list of the Plantagenet kings is long and their reigns are full of interest, but the main emphasis here, as under the Normans, belongs to the development of the nation. Take the subjects of the building of universities; the growth of Parliament; the increase of learning among the people; and Chaucer, with the ”Canterbury Tales” as pictures of the life of the times.

In studying Edward III read of his relations with Scotland and France, and give an account of his famous battles. With the reign of Richard II comes the Peasants' Revolt. Discuss: How did it represent the spirit of the age?

An interesting account may be given of Henry IV and Henry V. Give some idea of the Wars of the Roses, and close the period with an account of the Princes in the Tower, Caxton and printing, and the English Bible.

Read from Shakespeare's Henry IV, Henry V, Henry VI, and Richard III; also Stevenson's ”The Black Arrow,” Rossetti's ”The King's Tragedy,” De Quincey's ”Joan of Arc.”

III--THE TUDORS

At this point the story of Modern England begins. Under Henry VII notice the attempts of pretenders to the throne. Read of some of the famous men of the time.

Henry VIII is one of the best known characters in history. Speak of his tyrannical rule, his matrimonial ventures, his quarrel with the Pope and its results; the Field of the Cloth of Gold; of the English Reformation, Tyndale's New Testament and More's ”Utopia.” Tell of the brief reign of Edward VI.

Mary and the terrible persecutions follow this, with the connection of England and Spain. Notice the fate of Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer; read the tragic story of Lady Jane Grey.

The reign of Elizabeth is one of the wonderful periods of history. Have papers on her religious and political policies; her relations with Mary, Queen of Scots; the war with Spain; relations with Holland; the Invincible Armada, and kindred subjects. From a literary standpoint the age is of supreme importance, with Shakespeare heading a long list of famous names. Discuss the Elizabethan stage. Have brief sketches of Marlowe, Ben Jonson, Bacon, and Spenser, with readings.

IV--THE STUARTS AND CROMWELL

The study of the Stuarts begins with James I.

When studying Charles I, take up the struggle of the King with Parliament, the ”forced loans,” the King's favorites, and the beginning of the Civil War.