A History of England from the Tudors to the Stuarts

De: Robert Bucholz, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Robert Bucholz

During the 229-year period from 1485 to 1714, England transformed itself from a minor feudal state into what has been called "the first modern society" and emerged as the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world.

Those years hold a huge and captivating story. The English survived repeated epidemics and famines, one failed invasion and two successful ones, two civil wars, a series of violent religious reformations and counter-reformations, and confrontations with two of the most powerful monarchs on Earth, Louis XIV of France and Philip II of Spain. But they did much more than survive. They produced a great culture, giving the world the ideas of John Locke, the plays of Shakespeare, the wit of Swift, the poetry of Milton, the buildings of Christopher Wren, the science of Isaac Newton, and the King James Bible, to name a very few. And, despite the cruelty, bloodshed, and religious suppression they visited upon so many, they ultimately left behind something else: the political principles and ideals for which we-and so many of them - would work and die, and on which we would build our own nation.

Now you can watch this remarkable panorama of society, economics, religion, and politics unfold in a series of 48 transfixing lectures by a justifiably honored teacher who takes you into the lives of not only Britain's ruling royal houses, but the English people themselves, describing how they were born, worked, played, worshiped, fell in love, and died.

Cinematic in their presentation and detail - whether describing the likely thoughts of Charles I on the way to his execution or the overheard weeping of Queen Anne after she fired her Lord Treasurer - these lectures are as memorable as the history they describe.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2003 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2003 The Great Courses

Better than any fiction

I listen to history fiction books for fun and entertainment. This true history course was as good or better than any books I have on this subject. Narrator is excellent!

Great period, great lectures

Professor Bucholz really made this period come to life. Really good structure and whenever necessary he reminds us of particular details we need. He's got a delightful and subtle sense of humour. He also connects events and puts them into context.

Very Good Overview For a Beginner

I had listened to Professor Bucholz's history of London a couple of times, and I had just finished The Great Courses history of Medieval England, so this is the natural next step. For the most part, I enjoyed this course. I had only my distant memories of World History 1 & 2, plus pop-culture and common knowledge, to use as a reference. The result is a much clearer understanding of the period. Professor Bucholz begins with a review of the Wars of The Roses and - after about 6 lectures - finally gets to Henry VII.

In the beginning, middle, and end of the series, Bucholz breaks from the major narrative to focus on what life was like for the average person of the time. It's obvious he cares very much about the material, as his voice seems to break when he comes to a particularly moving passage.

As for negative criticism, he says he knows we are there for the kings and queens but he wants to give us the rest of the story too. Well, OK...but I would have liked a little more of the kings and queens - particularly Henry VIII and Elizabeth. He has a special fondness for Queen Anne but we care much more about Elizabeth. As for the other reviews, the main complaint seems to be that some of his lectures are not up with more recent research. Perhaps - as I stated, I am not a scholar of the period. But I doubt the inaccuracies are major - and I always come across contradictions in different history books, etc.

Good series

This was a well done, thorough review of this period. The only downside was the preponderance of professor jokes, but that is a common affliction with good professors

Well done!

I love everything related to Tudor/Stuart England and the Great Courses and this is one of the better courses. Mr. Bucholz clearly knows his topic and is enthusiastic about historical England. And, his narration is spot on.

Really interesting

Well delivered fascinating lectures. I learned a great deal. I recommend this for anyone interested in the period.

Brilliant!

A very detailed, interesting and entertaining series of lectures. Robert Bucholz knows his stuff and presents it effectively. Highly recommended.

Wonderful!!

I have learnt so much about English history. The author and reader is clear and entertaining. I enjoyed it very much.

thorough and entertaining

The author delves into the details of the subject while simultaneously exploring the short and long terms impact of the actions.

Another brilliant effort from Professor Bucholz

This is the second series from Prof Bucholz that I've listened to. His work is amazing, informative and entertaining.