The Early and Middle Ages of England (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from The Early and Middle Ages of England

An epoch of great convulsions would scarcely seem to be consistent with the developement of the higher forms of life. Perhaps my estimate of the Middle Ages, which is rather more favourable than that commonly taken, has been coloured by the same tendency to believe in growth rather than in sudden and violent revolutions. It is difficult to study a literature and laws that are as English as our own in spirit and purpose without feeling that we have inherited good as well as evil from the past.

In this second edition much is entirely new, and much has been re-written, it is hoped with some gain in accuracy and fulness. But the work of revision was interrupted by a long illness and absence from England, and it has been difficult for me to take up the broken links. Had I foreseen how much labour would be attracted into this department of knowledge, I should probably never have broken ground in it myself. But as the present volume, m spite of all faults, has appeared to supply a certain want as a text-book, I have decided to retain it in circulation, and make it as perfect as I can. That' it only aims at being a text-book will be obvious to all students of history.

I am indebted to the Rev. F. F. Cornish, of Exeter College, Oxford, for a very careful analysis of a portion of Domesday Book. Of the friends who aided me in the first edition, Professor Shirley has unfortunately been removed by death from labours which promised to add much to our knowledge of English as well as of Church History. To Professor Brewer, Mr. Earle, and Mr. Sandare, I here repeat my cordial thanks for the kind assistance I have received from them.

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