Excerpt from A Short History of EnglandIn studying and teaching history I have been convinced of the desirability of making certain fundamental facts absolutely clear and familiar. An acquaintance with the physical and political geography of a country makes the events of its history seem real and natural; a knowledge of the race elements of a people gives the strongest impression of the continuity of its history; a study of the early political and ecclesiastical organization of a nation makes comprehensible later changes. I have therefore striven, in the first place, to give a full and clear description of early institutions and conditions.Secondly, I have tried to select from the mass of historical detail what was significant rather than what was merely conspicuous, - what either gave shape and character to a considerable period of history, or was a clearly marked step in the general development of the nation. Detached episodes and merely striking occurrences, especially those in the field of military history, have been hastened over in order that more attention might be given to the really great movements and influential men.Thirdly, I have clung pretty closely to the thread of English history, only introducing mention of other countries when their connection with England was especially close. Since England's story is so long and so eventful, I have felt that it had better here be told as simply, clearly, and continuously as possible, for its own sake, rather than to complicate it by including many facts drawn from the history of other countries.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com