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A Shorter History of England

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675 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1934

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About the author

Hilaire Belloc

721 books400 followers
People considered Joseph Hilaire Pierre René Belloc, French-born British writer, as a master of light English prose and also knew widely his droll verse, especially The Bad Child's Book of Beasts in 1896.

Sharp wit of Hilaire Belloc, an historian, poet, and orator, extended across literary output and strong political and religious convictions. Oxford educated this distinguished debater and scholar. Throughout his career, he prolifically across a range of genres and produced histories, essays, travelogues, poetry, and satirical works.

Cautionary Tales for Children collects best humorous yet dark morals, and historical works of Hilaire Belloc often reflected his staunch Catholicism and critique of Protestant interpretations. He led advocates of an economic theory that promotes and championed distribution of small-scale property ownership as a middle ground between capitalism and socialism alongside Gilbert Keith Chesterton, his close friend.

In politics, Hilaire Belloc served as a member of Parliament for the Liberal party, but the establishment disillusioned him. His polemical style and strong opinions made a controversial figure, who particularly viewed modernism, secularism, and financial capitalism as threats to traditional Christian society in his critiques.

Influence and vast literary legacy of Hilaire Belloc extends into historical circles. Erudition, humor, and a forceful rhetorical style characterized intellectual vigor and unique perspective, which people continue to study and to appreciate, on history, society, and human nature.

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Profile Image for Mitya.
12 reviews33 followers
May 27, 2025
Belloc's history is readable and easy to digest. It should be recognised that it is narratively in favour of Catholicism and the monarchy, so the Protestant parliamentarians are negatively portrayed. The book makes sure to pay extra attention to the latters actions in Ireland. The cause of the downfall of the monarchy is attributed to the rise of a new financial class following the English Reformation
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