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1History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 1, Chapter 05)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This chapter of Macaulay’s History of England is concerned, for a large part, with insurrection against James II and his manoeuverings to suppress these. Argyle has been sheltering in Holland and returns to raise an army against James. Although brave and quick witted, he was no leader of men and the army became a confused rabble and were dispersed. Argyle was captured and died bravely. Monmouth had also been sheltering in Holland and he landed at Lyme and declared himself king on 20th June 1685. He was defeated at the battle of Sedgemoor and eventually caught and executed. Monmouth is a fine romantic and of course ultimately tragic figure. The chapter comes to an end with the Bloody Assizes and the very bloody Judge Jeffries.<br />Summary by Jim Mowatt

2History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 1, Chapter 01)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is chapter 1 of volume 1 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay in the 19th century. It starts with a brief resume of the history of England up until the Stuart kings and then starts to delve into a little more detail. Macaulay is primarily fascinated by ending of any claim to divine right of kings and the growing role of Parliament in the governing of the country. He sees the accession of William and Mary (Dutch, Protestant royalty) to the British throne as a key moment in the history of the British Isles. This is a book delightful for the literary gifts of the author and intriguing for his view of 18th century English and world politics. (Summary by Jim Mowatt)

3History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 1, Chapter 02)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is the second chapter of Thomas Babington Macaulay’s History of England from the Succession of James II.<br><br>In this chapter we see the restoration of the House of Stuart. The mood of the people sours toward the Roundheads, Army and, of course the Puritans. An examination of the character of Charles II. We see Charles attempting to recruit assistance from France so he can attain absolute monarchy and so emulate Lewis the Fourteenth, the French Sun King. <br>(Summary by Jim Mowatt)

4History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 1, Chapter 03)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is the third chapter in Macaulay’s great History of England from the Accession of James II. In this chapter Macaulay looks at the state of the nation in 1685. He discusses the population, the revenue, the military system, the roads, the inns, the coaches, the great cities and, of course London, its coffee houses and first experiments in street lighting. An interesting diversion from Macaulays’s usual obsession with politics but worry not, he still manages to crowbar some political intriguing into this chapter. <br>(Summary by Jim Mowatt)

5History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 1, Chapter 04)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

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. <br>Summary by Jim Mowatt

6History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 2, Chapter 06)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This chapter starts from about 1685. James is on the throne and, as ever, there are disputes between crown and Parliament. We see the Habeus Corpus Act introduced, the persecution of the Huguenots and troubles in Ireland. <br>Summary by Jim Mowatt

7History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 2, Chapter 07)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This chapter begins with a description of William, Prince of Orange – his early life, personality, and political policies. It goes on to describe, among other things, the Declaration of Indulgence, an early step towards establishing religious freedom in England, and the popular reaction to it. (Summary by Leon Mire)

8History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 2, Chapter 08)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

In this chapter of Thomas Babington Macaulay’s History of England we see conflict between James II and his subjects. James is Catholic but rules a Protestant country. There are some serious stand-offs with colleges at Oxford and Cambridge plus conflict with the London clergy. – Summary by Jim Mowatt

9History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 2, Chapter 09)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is chapter 9 of Thomas Babington Macaulay’s History of England from the accession of James II. This chapter covers part of the invasion of England by William, the Dutch Stadtholder, later William III of England. – Summary by Jim Mowatt

10History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 2, Chapter 10)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This chapter begins with the flight of James II and then moves on to the downfall of Judge Jeffreys and the arrival of Dutch troops in London. James flees again and we see the establishment of the Jacobean court in France at Saint Germains. The chapter ends with the crowning of William and Mary. – Summary by Jim Mowatt

11History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 3, Chapter 11)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

In chapter 11 William and Mary have been crowned and settle down to the task of ruling England. An endless succession of British noblemen jockey for position and all feel frustration at Williams’ preference for his own countrymen in positions of responsibility in the British government and armed forces.

12History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 3, Chapter 12)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

Much of this chapter is taken up with the affairs of Ireland during the reign of James II. The Protestants and Catholics are having their usual disagreements and James is putting his pieces in place in an attempt to use the Irish to consolidate his own rather shaky position.

13History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 3, Chapter 13)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This chapter traces the history of the Glorious Revolution in Scotland, including the reaction of the country's religious parties, the installment of William and Mary, and the campaigns of the Highland Army. (Summary by Leon Mire)

14History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 3, Chapter 14)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is volume 3 chapter 14 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay in the 19th century. It starts with a brief resume of the history of England up until the Stuart kings and then starts to delve into a little more detail. Macaulay is primarily fascinated by ending of any claim to divine right of kings and the growing role of Parliament in the governing of the country. He sees the accession of William and Mary (Dutch, Protestant royalty) to the British throne as a key moment in the history of the British Isles. This is a book delightful for the literary gifts of the author and intriguing for his view of 18th century English and world politics. (Jim Mowatt)<br /><br /> This volume covers various 17th century events including a military campaign in Ireland and the Church of England oath-swearing controversy, in which some clergymen refused to swear an oath to King William and Queen Mary required by the crown (Karen Merline)

15History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 3, Chapter 15)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is volume 3 chapter 15 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay (1800-1959) in the 19th century. It starts with a brief resume of the history of England up until the Stuart kings and then starts to delve into a little more detail. Macaulay is primarily fascinated by ending of any claim to divine right of kings and the growing role of Parliament in the governing of the country. He sees the accession of William and Mary (Dutch, Protestant royalty) to the British throne as a key moment in the history of the British Isles. This is a book delightful for the literary gifts of the author and intriguing for his view of 18th century English and world politics. <br>(Jim Mowatt) <br><br>This volume covers part of the reign of William and Mary including the beginning of the War with Ireland. (Karen Merline)</p>

LibriVox volunteers bring you 8 recordings of The Last Buccaneer by Thomas Babbington Macaulay. This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for October 4th, 2009.

The Lays of Ancient Rome comprise four narrative poems comprised by Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay: recalling popular episodes from Roman historical-legends that were strongly moral in tone: exemplifying Roman virtue against Latine perfidy.<br /> The four poems are:<br /><br /> - Horatius - Horatius and two companions seek to hold back a large invading Etruscan force at the far end of a bridge over the Tiber River. The trio are willing to lay down their lives so as to prevent the Etruscans crossing and sacking the otherwise ill-defended Rome: it is a desperate gamble to buy enough time for the Romans to destroy the bridge in advance of the hostile army. But will their efforts succeed?<br /><br /> - The Battle of Lake Regillus - The Romans take arms against the powerful Latine league headed by the expelled Tarquin nobles. The fighting is desperate and bloody: the event is decided only after the arrival upon the battlefield of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.<br /><br /> - Virginia - Virginia is the daughter of Virginius - a poor, honest Roman farmer-citizen. In former years Virginius enlisted as a legionary and shed his blood to fight Rome's enemies: now Virginius - like other Romans of the humbler sort - suffer the usurious exactions of noblemen like the wicked Appius Claudius. Appius Claudius uses spurious legal means to take possession of Virginia as his "runaway slave": action guaranteed to succeed given the incumbent corrupt magistracy. So what can Virginius do? To what extremes is the father forced to protect his only child?<br /><br /> - The Prophecy of Capys - Romulus and Remus return triumphant to the home of their grandfather Capys. When they arrive, Capys - blind and well advanced in years - is seized by a prophetic frenzy: Capys declaims a series of portents describing the future battles and victories destined as the lot of Romulus' descendants.<br /> (Introduction by Godsend)

18History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 3, Chapter 16)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is volume 3 chapter 16 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay (1800-1859) in the 19th century. It starts with a brief resume of the history of England up until the Stuart kings and then starts to delve into a little more detail. Macaulay is primarily fascinated by ending of any claim to divine right of kings and the growing role of Parliament in the governing of the country. He sees the accession of William and Mary (Dutch, Protestant royalty) to the British throne as a key moment in the history of the British Isles. This is a book delightful for the literary gifts of the author and intriguing for his view of 18th century English and world politics. (Jim Mowatt)

19History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 4, Chapter 17)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is volume 4 chapter 17 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay (1800-1859) in the 19th century. It starts with a brief resume of the history of England up until the Stuart kings and then starts to delve into a little more detail. Macaulay is primarily fascinated by ending of any claim to divine right of kings and the growing role of Parliament in the governing of the country. He sees the accession of William and Mary (Dutch, Protestant royalty) to the British throne as a key moment in the history of the British Isles. This is a book delightful for the literary gifts of the author and intriguing for his view of 18th century English and world politics. (Jim Mowatt)

20History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 4, Chapter 18)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is volume 4 chapter 18 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay (1800-1859) in the 19th century. It starts with a brief resume of the history of England up until the Stuart kings and then starts to delve into a little more detail. Macaulay is primarily fascinated by ending of any claim to divine right of kings and the growing role of Parliament in the governing of the country. He sees the accession of William and Mary (Dutch, Protestant royalty) to the British throne as a key moment in the history of the British Isles. This is a book delightful for the literary gifts of the author and intriguing for his view of 18th century English and world politics. (Jim Mowatt)

21History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 4, Chapter 19)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is volume 4 chapter 19 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay (1800-1859) in the 19th century. It starts with a brief resume of the history of England up until the Stuart kings and then starts to delve into a little more detail. Macaulay is primarily fascinated by ending of any claim to divine right of kings and the growing role of Parliament in the governing of the country. He sees the accession of William and Mary (Dutch, Protestant royalty) to the British throne as a key moment in the history of the British Isles. This is a book delightful for the literary gifts of the author and intriguing for his view of 18th century English and world politics. (Jim Mowatt)

22History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 4, Chapter 20)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is volume 4 chapter 20 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay (1800-1859) in the 19th century. It starts with a brief resume of the history of England up until the Stuart kings and then starts to delve into a little more detail. Macaulay is primarily fascinated by ending of any claim to divine right of kings and the growing role of Parliament in the governing of the country. He sees the accession of William and Mary (Dutch, Protestant royalty) to the British throne as a key moment in the history of the British Isles. This is a book delightful for the literary gifts of the author and intriguing for his view of 18th century English and world politics. (Jim Mowatt)

This is volume 4 chapter 21 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay (1800-1859) in the 19th century. It starts with a brief resume of the history of England up until the Stuart kings and then starts to delve into a little more detail. Macaulay is primarily fascinated by ending of any claim to divine right of kings and the growing role of Parliament in the governing of the country. He sees the accession of William and Mary (Dutch, Protestant royalty) to the British throne as a key moment in the history of the British Isles. This is a book delightful for the literary gifts of the author and intriguing for his view of 19th century English and world politics.<br>(Jim Mowatt)

24History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 4, Chapter 22)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is volume 4 chapter 22 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay (1800-1859) in the 19th century. It starts with a brief resume of the history of England up until the Stuart kings and then starts to delve into a little more detail. Macaulay is primarily fascinated by ending of any claim to divine right of kings and the growing role of Parliament in the governing of the country. He sees the accession of William and Mary (Dutch, Protestant royalty) to the British throne as a key moment in the history of the British Isles. This is a book delightful for the literary gifts of the author and intriguing for his view of 18th century English and world politics. (Jim Mowatt)

25History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 5, Chapter 23)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is volume 5 chapter 23 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay (1800-1859) and published after his death. To quote from the preface - 'I HAVE thought it right to publish that portion of the continuation of the "History of England" which was fairly transcribed and revised by Lord Macaulay. It is given to the world precisely as it was left: no connecting link has been added; no reference verified; no authority sought for or examined. It would indeed have been possible, with the help I might have obtained from his friends, to have supplied much that is wanting; but I preferred, and I believe the public will prefer, that the last thoughts of the great mind passed away from among us should be preserved sacred from any touch but his own. Besides the revised manuscript, a few pages containing the first rough sketch of the last two months of William's reign are all that is left. From this I have with some difficulty deciphered the account of the death of William. No attempt has been made to join it on to the preceding part, or to supply the corrections which would have been given by the improving hand of the author. But, imperfect as it must be, I believe it will be received with pleasure and interest as a fit conclusion to the life of his great hero.'

26History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 5, Chapter 24)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is volume 5 chapter 24 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay (1800-1859). Volume 5 was published after his death. <br><br>Chapter 24 begins with the change in parliament with the 1698 elections. The death of the Electoral Prince of Bavaria obviates the first partition treaty and William and Lewis must try again. A good telling to the Darien bubble.

27History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 5, Chapter 25)

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

This is volume 5, chapter 25 of a series of books written by the Baron Macaulay (1800-1859) and published after his death.<br /><br /> To quote from the preface - 'I HAVE thought it right to publish that portion of the continuation of the "History of England" which was fairly transcribed and revised by Lord Macaulay. It is given to the world precisely as it was left: no connecting link has been added; no reference verified; no authority sought for or examined. It would indeed have been possible, with the help I might have obtained from his friends, to have supplied much that is wanting; but I preferred, and I believe the public will prefer, that the last thoughts of the great mind passed away from among us should be preserved sacred from any touch but his own. Besides the revised manuscript, a few pages containing the first rough sketch of the last two months of William's reign are all that is left. From this I have with some difficulty deciphered the account of the death of William. No attempt has been made to join it on to the preceding part, or to supply the corrections which would have been given by the improving hand of the author. But, imperfect as it must be, I believe it will be received with pleasure and interest as a fit conclusion to the life of his great hero.'

28Mystery at Geneva: An Improbable Tale of Singular Happenings

By Rose Macaulay

Henry Beechtree, a newspaper correspondent for the British Bolshevist, is covering the latest otherwise sleepy session of the League of Nations in Geneva, when the newly elected President – a member of the Norwegian delegation – disappears mysteriously, adding some badly needed ‘spice’ to Henry's assignment. (Introduction by Cathy Barratt)

29Warren Hastings

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

"Warren Hastings" is Chapter IV of Thomas Macaulay's Critical and Historical Essays, vol. III. It first appeared in the Edinburgh Review of October 1841 as a review of Memoirs of the Life of Warren Hastings, first Governor-General of Bengal. Compiled from Original Papers, by the Rev. G. R. Gleig, M. A. 3 vols. 8vo. London: 1841.<br /><br /> This essay on is generally considered to be one of the finest by the great historian and great literary stylist, Thomas Babington Macalay. Macaulay himself served in India from 1834 to 1838, and as a Whig and a believer in progress in the nineteenth century sense, he urged that Indians be trained in useful knowledge -- western, that is, and particularly British learning, easily dismissing traditional Indian education as of no value. Though he is well aware of Hastings’s flaws, he nevertheless greatly admires him as one of the creators of Britain’s Asian empire. Today’s critics, of course, can easily dismiss both men as “Orientalists” (to use Edwin Said’s terminology) but they both remain essential to an understanding of nineteenth century British history and culture. ( Nicholas Clifford)

30Frederic the Great

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

Macaulay's review essay on Frederick the Great of Prussia is found in vol. iii of his Critical and Historical Essays, and concentrates primarily on the ways in which he built Prussia up into a major military power. Though it's impossible to read the essay without thinking ahead to the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 and the two world wars of the twentieth century, Macaulay of course only carries Frederick roughly up to the end of the Seven Years War (1763). ( Nicholas Clifford)

31Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

An review essay of "Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay". The Edinburgh Review, January, 1843. Reprinted in vol. iii of Macaulay's Critical and Historical Essays. "Hundreds of remarkable persons had passed in review before her....The account which she has given of the King's [George III] illness contains much excellent narrative and description, and will, we think, be as much valued by the historians of a future age as any equal portion of Pepys's or Evelyn's Diaries..." Her novels were "the precursors" of those of Jane Austen. - Summary by barbara2

Robert Clive was, in Macaulay’s view, the real founder of British power in India. Macaulay himself served on the Governor’s Council in India from 1834 to 1838, working on legal and educational changes in that country. In his view, the establishment of British control and influence in India was part of a great civilizing mission, helping to rid India of its backwardness, superstitions, and corruption by replacing them with an advanced English culture, scientific and literary. That view comes through very clearly both in this essay and that of his on Warren Hastings as well. Needless to say many Indians have and have had a rather different outlook. ( Nicholas Clifford)

33Making of a Bigot

By Rose Macaulay

“How various is man! How multiplied his experience, his outlook, his conclusions!”—H. Belloc. “And every single one of them is right.”—R. Kipling. Written while Macaulay worked in the Propaganda Department of the War Office, and reflecting her own mysticism and skepticism of organized religion, The Making of a Bigot follows young Eddy Oliver from Cambridge University as he meets people whose stronger personalities influence his weaker one, with their persuasive arguments. ( Lynne Thompson) Thompson

34Non-Combatants and Others

By Rose Macaulay

Through a variety of experiences of the effects of the First World War, an art student is drawn into pacifism. Rose Macaulay's satirical novel is passionate, and witty - Summary by Anthony Ogus

Joseph Addison (1672-1719) was an English essayist, poet, playwright, and Whig politician. Today he is most famous for his contributions, with Richard Steele, to the "The Spectator" magazine. In this essay, Macaulay portrays the life and work of this quiet, compassionate man, who amidst the cut and thrust of bitter political and literary rivalries, was always a gentleman, loved by his friends and, in the person of the Spectator, by posterity, as well.(Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)

John Milton (1608-1674) was an English poet, classicist, and fearless advocate for civil liberty, who served the Commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell. He is best known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost" (1667), a work of sublime imagery and hidden heresy. In this long essay, Macaulay combines literary criticism with political history, writing that to Milton, almost alone among his contemporaries, belonged "the glory of the battle which he fought for, the species of freedom which is the most valuable, and which was then the least understood, the freedom of the human mind." (Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)

The Great War is finished: England is once more at peace. What can have caused such a War, except stupidity? What, if not intelligence, can prevent another? This view gives rise to a new ministry: the Ministry of Brains, under whose regulation foolish marriage is discouraged, and stupid children taxed. But will the public put up with this kind of regulation? Can the will to disorganised love be suppressed - in the townships of England, or, indeed, within the Ministry's own walls? (Summary by Jack Larsen)

The title of the original, British release of this novel was They Were Defeated, referring, among other matters, to the English Civil War, 1642 to 1651. Since the main action covers the build-up toward this event and climaxes in 1641, the title implies that defeat had been inevitable for both sides even before the war began. The American title, <i>The Shadow Flies</i>, comes from a poem on the vanity of human wishes. <br><br> Yet, for all that, the story is full of life and yearning, of effort and fun, of assertion and tolerance, of conscience and love. In keeping with these themes, the action and the characters are loosely linked to the incomparable lyric poet Robert Herrick in his remote home in Devonshire, where he exults in the beauty of nature and wrangles with his backward parishioners, waiting in vain for the recognition and fame which he would be denied until long after his death. <br><br> The emotional focus of the novel is an adolescent girl, a scholar and poet of promise, encouraged by an educated father of unconventional opinions. In particular, his insistence that education ought to be offered equally to both sexes endears him to moderns but sets him at odds with his peers—as does his scorn of religion, which, in its turn, complicates many readers’ response to him. <br><br> The issues into which individual characters draw the reader include, beyond the strictly political, poetic taste, academic curricula, witchcraft, science, superstition, and religious observances in an England still reeling from the Reformation, which had taken place in the lifetime of the generation just preceding that of the oldest characters. Many well known historical figures, and especially poets, make brief appearances, and the language the author puts into their mouths is as close as she can manage to that of the mid seventeenth century, with different dialects faithfully represented in spelling when convenient. - Summary by Thomas A. Copeland

The Lays of Ancient Rome are four narrative poems by the English historian and politician Thomas Babington Macaulay. Each poem tells a famous story from Rome's mythic history. Although these are original poems in English, Macaulay wrote them as if they were the works of ancient Roman bards. The Lays of Ancient Rome were immensely popular in the nineteenth century and inspired the English-speaking world by their celebration of heroic and imperial values. - Summary by Readerad