The English (The Peoples of Europe)

Traces the 12 centuries of the English people on the island of Britain, focusing on the perseverance of their sense of national identity and distinctive characteristics. Attributes such cultural longevity on the early emergence of a constitutional monarch and the resulting set of laws that protected individual freedom. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

The increased focus on science is educationally correct, but without the study of history the foundation of all learning is soft. Elton, who taught history at Cambridge, clearly traces the shaping of the English people from barbarian groups to those who came to be called English to the ascendancy of "the mighty British." The book provides a perspective on the grueling development of governing and governance. Though the anglicized spelling may deter some readers, public libraries will find this a viable purchase; it is also a welcome choice for school libraries.
- M.E. Chitty, Fairchilde International Lib. Inst . , Plainfield, N . J.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.