Our Island Story by H E Marshall

Our Island Story by H E Marshall

This children's history of the British Isles begins with the early tribal legends of Albion, and takes us through the Roman period, the Dark Ages, Medieval times, and the Tudor, Stuart and later monarchs.

A delightful and compelling narration of Britain's lengthy history, Our Island Story is written with the younger reader in mind. It summarizes the most famous deeds that happened across a long time, telling of the great men and women who left their mark on the culture and destiny of the British Isles. The brave defiance of Boudicca of the Iceni tribe versus the Romans; the valiant spirit of Richard Lionheart who led the Third Crusade; and the benevolent wisdom of Queen Elizabeth the first; whose long reign saw England reach new artistic heights while fending off the maritime rival of Spain.

In the earlier chapters, H. E. Marshall mixes legend and folklore with the factual events, allowing young readers to appreciate how rich storytelling itself shaped the attitudes of British people and their leaders. King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table are the principle example; their valiant deeds in an ancient England would inspire many actual monarchs, since Arthurian legends were very famous in Medieval society. Though this narration is organized by the reigning monarchs, we also hear of the country's many influential artists, explorers, scientists and military heroes through the ages.

Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall, a prominent author of children's history books a century ago, is suddenly regaining prominence. Our Island Tale, A History of England for Boys and Girls was originally published in 1905, and was immediately followed by Scotland's Story in 1906 and Our Imperial Story in 1908. A History of France, A History of Germany, This Land of Ours, and English Literature for Boys and Girls are among her other works. She also contributed to the critically acclaimed Told to the Children series, writing The Tale of Napoleon and The Story of Cromwell for the Children's Heroes series.