The History of England

by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens

In these two forgotten gems of English literature, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens offer delightful, irreverent histories of their native land.

When she was only sixteen years old, Jane Austen composed her bitingly satirical History of England for performance in her family's drawingroom. A startling and precocious example of her celebrated wit—not to mention a brilliant social commentary—this lively piece sweeps rapidly across almost four centuries of British monarchy. In rambunctious and wickedly funny prose, Austen's critique spans from Henry IV to Charles I, from Richard III to Mary Queen of Scots, offering a fierce parody of the kind of biased history that young ladies of Austen's time were being forced to study. Reproduced here in its entirety, this is a rare, tantalizing look at the great novelist's budding talent, and an extraordinary bit of literary history that lay unpublished for more than 130 years.

Charles Dickens's A Child's History of England, by contrast, was written and published at the height of its author's considerable fame. A gory and dramatic account, full of villains and heroes, the essay was originally intended as a study-piece for his children, but in fact represented a sly, unconventional countertext to the more straitlaced historical canon. Dickens's exciting, flamboyant narrative is hugely evocative, both of the history he describes and of the time in which he himself was writing.

With an insightful introduction by bestselling historian David Starkey, Two Histories of England brings together, in a single, irresistible volume, these remarkable—and remarkably overlooked—literary treasures by two of the world's most beloved writers.

Genres: Classics, History, Nonfiction, Jane Austen, Humor, Short Stories, Historical

208 pages, Hardcover

First published November 26, 1791

About the author

Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six novels, which implicitly interpret, critique, and comment upon the English landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. Her works are an implicit critique of the novels of sensibility of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Her deft use of social commentary, realism and biting irony have earned her acclaim among critics and scholars.

The anonymously published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), were a modest success but brought her little fame in her lifetime. She wrote two other novels—Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1817—and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript, the short epistolary novel Lady Susan, and the unfinished novel The Watsons.
Since her death Austen's novels have rarely been out of print. A significant transition in her reputation occurred in 1833, when they were republished in Richard Bentley's Standard Novels series (illustrated by Ferdinand Pickering and sold as a set). They gradually gained wide acclaim and popular readership. In 1869, fifty-two years after her death, her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane Austen introduced a compelling version of her writing career and supposedly uneventful life to an eager audience. Her work has inspired a large number of critical essays and has been included in many literary anthologies. Her novels have also inspired many films, including 1940's Pride and Prejudice, 1995's Sense and Sensibility and 2016's Love & Friendship.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

Jane Austen’s wit certainly shines through in this delightful short story.

[s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before becoming world renown with a certified black belt in banter and cutting commentary on social mores in her much beloved body of work, Jane Austen showed an early promise as an authorial personification of a mic drop in her satirical musings of The History of England by a Partial, Prejudiced and Ignorant Historian. While this was written when the great literary icon was still just 15 years old, its a read you’ll want to approach with a box of bandaids because her wit was already sharp enough to slice and leave you screaming. With laughter that is. But seriously, teen Jane is a riot as she briefly winds through a history of English monarchs with ‘very few dates’ and a battalion of bold opinions. It is a breezy history that feels not unlike the coolest kid in class getting some heady laughs on their end-of-term recap assignment and Austen fans will not want to miss this little-known gem of juvenalia. History is her playground here, often with Shakespeare as the only source such as when she writes about Catherine of Valois asserting that she was ‘a very agreeable woman by Shakespear’s account.’ Jane won’t let the public record of opinion get in the way of her own thoughts in her very wittily teenage snark, with comical little descriptions such as of Richard the 3rd whom she says was ‘very severely treated by historians,’ but Jane argues that ‘as he was a YORK, I am rather included to suppose him a very respectable man.’ Sure, it’s not much of a history and some of her omissions are quite funny jabs—’It is to be supposed that Henry was married, since he had certainly four sons, but it is not in my power to inform the Reader who was his wife,’ she writes of Henry IV or, of Henry V she add ‘during his reign, Lord Cobham was burnt alive, but I regret what for’ (it was heresy and treason following a failed revolution)—but it is certainly worth the read.

A few other gems:

Queen Elizabeth: ‘It was the peculiar misfortune of this Woman to have bad Ministers—since wicked as she herself was, she could not have committed such extensive mischief had not these vile and abandoned Men connived at, and encouraged her in her Crimes.’

James the 1st: ‘Though this King had some faults, among which and as the most principal, was his allowing his Mother’s death, yet considered on the whole I cannot help liking him.’

Edward the 5th: ‘This unfortunate Prince lived so little a while that nobody had hin to draw his picture.’

Mary: ‘Nor can I pity the Kingdom for the misfortunes they experienced during her Reign, since they fully deserved them.’

A fun, fast little read and a cool look at the early writings of an author who would go on to be one of the most well known names throughout history. Worth picking up if you get the chance.

3.5/5

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an utter delight this short story was! Written by the teenaged and ever-so lovely Jane Austen.

This is a witty account of the history of the Kings and Queens of England written in a fun and naughty way. It brought a smile to my face quite a few times.

If you're a fan of the Royals as I am or you just love Jane Austen. Don't miss this little gem of a story.

It can be found at this link for free.
https://www.shortstoryproject.com/sto...

[vaishnavi ☆ﾟ⁠.⁠* · Rating 3 out of 5]

rip jane austen, you would've loved philomena cunk

some gems from this book:

It is to be supposed that Henry was married, since he had certainly four sons, but it is not in my power to inform the Reader who was his Wife.

During his reign, Lord Cobham was burnt alive, but I forget what for.

It was in this reign that Joan of Arc lived & made such a row among the English. They should not have burnt her - but they did.

This unfortunate Prince lived so little a while that nobody had time to draw his picture.

It will therefore be saving them (the readers) the task of reading again what they have read before, & myself the trouble of writing what I do not perfectly recollect, by giving only a slight sketch of the principal Events which marked his reign.

He was beheaded, of which he might with reason have been proud, had he known that such was the death of Mary Queen of Scotland; but as it was impossible that he should be conscious of what had never happened, it does not appear that he felt particularly delighted with the manner of it.

It was the peculiar Misfortune of this Woman to have bad Ministers - Since wicked as she herself was, she could not have committed such extensive Mischeif, had not these vile & abandoned Men connived at, & encouraged her in her Crimes.

While the Villains of the time would make too long a list to be written or read; I shall therefore content myself with mentioning the leaders of the Gang.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bwahahaha. What a delightful little read. Jane Austen proves that she was a woman with a great sense of humour.
The book contains a quick run-down of Henry the 4th, 5th and 6th; Edward the 4th and 5th; Richard the 3rd; Henry the 7th and 8th; Edward the 6th; Mary (yes, Bloody Mary) and Elizabeth; James the 1st; and, finally, Charles the 1st.
Although I expected it to be fun, I was actually surprised just HOW funny Jane Austen was when writing about these historical figures. Her dry wit that I so treasure in her novels is applied here as well although the chapters are quite short of course (so as not to bore the reader). More like a collection of witty thoughts about the monarchs, really.

[Katie Lumsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a great history perhaps, but certainly a great piece of wit.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

They should replace certain other history books with this one. Austen's wit and writing are incredible - why couldn't she have written more history books!!

[emma (emwithabook)]

15 year old jane was hilarious

“during his reign, Lord Cobham was burnt alive, but I forget what for” please

[Megan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Pride and Prejudice, Before Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen dabbles in history and short stories in her Juvenilia during her teenage years. Sharp, satirical and honestly quite humorous, Jane Austen shapes The History of England through her eyes and takes the reader on a short, bite-size journey that is a joy to read, cover to cover.

Jane Austen's The History of England truly shows how much a satirist our beloved Regency novelist was and changes perspectives on her more well-known novels as to how she is writing about English society. This novella is a must-read for any Janeites out there as well as anyone wanting a starting point to dive into Austen's work.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dover Publications for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Anisha Inkspill · Rating 3 out of 5]

{3.5 stars}

It is to be supposed that Henry was married, since he had certainly four sons, but it is not in my power to inform the Reader who was his wife.

Sets the tone of Jane Austen’s History of England. This Henry is Henry IV of England.

This a short piece, and the fun Austen must have had writing this really comes through. What’s amazing about this is that she is only 15. I’ve not read any of Austen’s earlier works but in reading this I can see the early traces of her novels.

I hope Jane Austen had this much fun writing all her works.

[Cynda Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 ☆
Jane Austen laughs at the ignorant, prejudiced women of her time. Women were educated to accomplished, to have general information. But they were not so educated to be informed. What would be the purpose of this education? So as not to have completely unaware wives and mothers? I think some of it maybe philosophical. The science of the day was often called "natural philsophy." I just don't know. The middle class was increasingly literate. This is the beginning place of women's education. Across the Atlantic in the US, middle-class women were being encouraged to read and to become educated. They were to be the mothers who would be the first educators of the sons who would need information and education to better take advantage of the new opportunities in the new country. In England, this impetus did not exist. Austen had much to laugh at in England. So could do so because she was well, or definitely better, educated than most other women.
In the 1999 Mansfield Park movie-- the novel, Austen's letters, and Austen's The History of England-- all went into the making of the movie. Fanny Price is in her bedroom/old governess's room with Edmund, reading her manuscript to him, a book that does not exist in the novel, a book that exists in Austen's body of work. This Fanny Price calls her manuscript "The History of England by a partial, prejudiced, and ignorant historian," Apparently Austen believed many women of her era fit this description.
I enjoyed this book. I laughed and smiled and recognized raucous humor. That would be 3☆ by my rating system. The quality of satire takes this to the next 1/2 star. What prevents this from being 4 ☆? Still juvenalia. Raucous fun. Workable and worked topic. I will probably read it again. Not enlightening.
(This selection is part of a short collection: Lesley Castle)

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024-I have probably read this north of 5 times. It has crossed my path a number of times this week, so it was time for another joyful romp thru this little slice of "history".

2025- It's back on the year list!

[Flybyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The History of England by partial, prejudiced & ignorant Historian
N.B. There will be very few dates in this History”

With this compelling opening line, Austen hooks the reader and starts reeling them in starting from the first page. As an Austen-obsessed reader, I still cannot believe I read this little hidden gem so late!
Austen’s earliest work from her teenage years consists of reigns of England and she writes short passages about these historical figures in the most entertaining way possible. Her brilliance reflects itself in the pages, her style is already mature, her unique sense of humor is quite traceable between the lines. She mimics and makes subtle fun of the “objective” historians, writes most memorable events of 15 historical figures that climbed the stairs to the throne of England (each coloumn has a portrait of the famous figure, all drawn by Austen’s sister Cassandra). It’s awe-inspiring considering she wrote this when she was 15; the few typos and linguistic mistakes she made are kept to be faithful to the original text. I absolutely loved it, my only complaint is that I could not get enough and wish it were longer. Definitely recommended to all Austen fans!

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Austen's 'The History of England contains 13 portraits of the English Royals and if one wishes to read an irreverent history, this is the one, for she pulls no punches in describing the monarchs in her unerringly mischievous way.

She sets the tone with her first portrait of Henry IV who ascended the throne 'after having prevailed on his cousin and predecessor Richard II, to resign it to him, and to retire to Pomfret Castle, where he happened to be murdered'. But Henry IV fell ill and 'his son the Prince of Wales came and took away the crown'. And during Henry V's reign, Lord Cobham was burnt alive and Jane Austen adds amusingly, 'but I forget what for'.

She certainly goes to town on Henry VI as she begins, 'I cannot say much for this Monarch's sense. Nor would I if I could, for he was a Lancastrian' [cheeky!]. She mentions the Wars of the Roses and amplifies her remark with 'There were several battles between the Yorkists and Lancastrians, in which the former (as they ought) usually conquered' [cheeky!]. And matter-of-factly she ends with 'The King was murdered - the Queen was sent home - and Edward IV ascended the throne'.

Edward IV married one woman while engaged to another and his wife, Elizabeth Woodville, was later 'confined in a Convent by that Monster of Iniquity and Avarice Henry VII'; nothing like getting in a pre-emptive strike on a monarch who is coming up soon! And when Henry VII died, he was 'succeeded by his son Henry VIII whose only merit was his not being quite so bad as his daughter Elizabeth'.

And as for Elizabeth I, the hatchet really comes down. She is mentioned in the previous reign, for when Mary died, 'without issue, and then the dreadful moment came in which the destroyer of all comfort, the deceitful Betrayer of trust reposed in her and the Murderess of her Cousin succeeded to the throne'. And then she is immediately described as 'wicked as she herself was' before outlining all her faults and ending with 'Elizabeth did not long survive his loss [Essex], and died so miserable that were it not an injury to the memory of Mary I should pity her.'

She finishes with Charles I and speaks of his reign with 'Never certainly were there before so many Detestable characters at one time in England as in this period of its History, never were amiable men so scarce.' But after that her view was 'The Events of this Monarch's reign are too numerous for my pen, and indeed the recital of any Events is uninteresting to me'. So there!

And she ends with '[M]y principal reason for undertaking the History of England being to prove the innocence of the Queen of Scotland, which I flatter myself with having effectively done, and to abuse Elizabeth , tho' I am rather fearful of having fallen short on the latter part of my scheme' - I think not!

It is certainly one of the most entertaining and amusing histories of England that I have read and it warrants four stars.

However, it is followed by 'Lesley Castle' which contains a correspondence detailing the social mores of the day and the mishaps and misapprehensions that befall five young ladies. It is typical Jane Austen in that the action is sparse but the scene setting is quite fulfilling and, again, it is mildly amusing. It warrants two stars therefore the overall book is a three-star read.

[Daren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of two separate parts - published as a Penguin 60s Classic.

The first part - which gives the book its title - is an irreverent and amusing summary of the line of succession of the English Throne from Henry the 4th (who took power in 1399) through to Charles 1st (who reined from 1625 to 1649 when he was executed). More than anything it serves to remind us what a boring period we have lived in, with regard to the British Monarchy - with the current Queen in occupation over 63 years. Austen's short summary tells of the turmoil and constant change!

The second part is a self proclaimed 'unfinished novel in letters'. Letters sent variously between the characters of the novel provide the narrative and the letters often contradict each other when explaining the two sides of the same situation - lots of gossip, backstabbing and self serving. Not really my genre, but an interesting way to have written a novel, and short & fast moving enough to finish quickly.

I was disproportionately annoyed with the spelling errors - every occurrence of friend, believe (etc) were printed with the I & E transposed. I have no idea why the publishers left it this way - I suppose it was supposed to be quirky?

Nevertheless, somewhere between 3 and 4 stars - rounded up as I did enjoy the royal rundown.

Shelved as fiction (the second part definitely is) because there is enough untruthfulness and opinion in the royal part.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"By a partial, prejudiced, and ignorant historian," Jane Austen's wit comes through in her comical take on Britain's monarchs. She wrote this at sixteen. For me the highlight of the book is when she gets to the Tudor monarchs, including, "that pest of society," Elizabeth.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made me laugh. Even at sixteen, Jane Austen was witty and sharp.

[Veva Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful!

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread this as part of Jane Austen July (hosted by Katie from ‘Books and Things’) and loved it even more than the first time. Jane Austen’s wit is unsurpassed. One of my favourite “history books”! :)

ORIGINAL REVIEW (2018):

Isn’t Jane Austen great? This was such fun!
Jane Austen’s wit and sparklingly no-nonsense writing style is absolutely unrivalled: when you read one of her books, not only do you enjoy the writing but you enjoy her personality!
Regardless of how true the facts in this book are, I trust Jane totally and therefore feel inclined to agree with EVERYTHING she says. Plus, this is the most entertaining (if unreliable) history book you will ever find!

Who knew Jane was so vehement against the Tudors? In particular, she absolutely despised Queen Elizabeth I, calling her a “disgrace to humanity” and a “pest in society”. The primary reason for this was she thought the execution of Mary Queen of Scots was practically a murder, given how unjust it was (in her eyes). Jane acquitted Mary of all crimes and evidently admired her a lot.
She also admired the ‘witty and beautiful’ Anne Boleyn, who she also acquitted of any crimes, whilst quite rightly slating Henry VIII in the process.

0/5 for historical accuracy. 12/5 for entertainment and an honest, unrestrained opinion of every monarch from Henry IV to Charles I! Ten minutes very well spent. :-)

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this quaint little book for the Jane Austen Centre in Bath and I'm so glad I did. It is a wonderful little book at just made me burst out laughing at several intervals because of Austen's well known sarcasm which, at the tender age of 15, was already fully formed. I can see it being my go-to book when I need a little pick me up. It's reiterated Jane Austen as one of my favourite authors.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, Jane, you would have loved Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 5 out of 5]

funny!

[Gabrii_i7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He was beheaded, of which he might with reason have been proud, had he known that such was the death of Mary Queen of Scotland; but as it was impossible that he should be conscious of what had never happened, it does not appear that he felt particularly delighted with the manner of it."

Gracioso, no me lo esperaba, se siente como una chavala que te habla de sus personajes ficticios favoritos (lo cual tiene sentido porque al parecer lo escribió con 16 años) pero con más ingenio que el esperado en el caso de una nena normal.

Jane Austen fan de Mary Queen of Scots primero y novelista reconocida después, made mía. Realmente se ha puesto a defender a Carlos I solo por ser Estuardo. PUES TANTO NO LES QUIERES SI HAS PARADO ANTES DE LLEGAR A CARLOS II, CÓMO TE PUDISTE DEJAR FUERA A TREMENDO ICONO (rattus rattus would never, él le habría metido covereando a eminem). Also, es #teamyork al parecer.

(no sé de dónde han sacado las 60 páginas de esta edición, la que yo me he leído tenía 18 y 7 estaban vacías de texto lol)

[B (mostly-offline) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Austen's wit is wonderful, and this was a perfect example of that. Incredible read, and thoughroughly enjoyable!

~Rating- 3.5 stars~

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Mitchell, eat your heart out.

(I haven’t read Unruly but I bet it’s not as fun as catty, 15-year old Jane Austen)

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some may consider what I’m about to say odd but here goes. If you’re a younger person and have not read any Jane Austen before, don’t start with this volume written when she herself was quite young. I suggest that you do some prep and leap into P & P or possibly S & S instead. For older readers her brief History of England is somewhat amusing and is in the style of Stephen Leacock.
So to conclude, this is very much in the juvenilia category.

[Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Schu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ms. Austen's take on the kings & queens of England. This short history is written as a commentary that included her contempt of some, ambivalence towards others, and the upmost respect for a few. Loved how she claims her ignorance, lack of interest, and her own biases in her writing. Overall, an enjoyable book especially as many illustrations of her longhand version were included.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have been much more delightful if I was well-schooled in my British history (sadly, I am not).

[Mary Catelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of her juvenilia. As usual, extremely funny and light-hearted. She had satire down pat early.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIP Jane Austen; you would have loved Reign🫶