"Froude's History of England" is a work of historical literature written by the English author and clergyman Charles Kingsley. The book is a critical analysis of the works of James Anthony Froude, a prominent historian of the Victorian era. In the book, Kingsley examines Froude's portrayal of key events and figures in English history, including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary Queen of Scots. Kingsley takes issue with Froude's tendency to glorify the Tudor monarchs, particularly Henry VIII, and to demonize their opponents. Despite his criticisms, Kingsley acknowledges Froude's contributions to the field of history, particularly his use of original source material and his attention to social and cultural contexts. Overall, "Froude's History of England" is an important work of historical criticism that sheds light on the Victorian era's approach to the study of history, and that encourages readers to engage thoughtfully with the works of historical writers.
Charles Kingsley was a broad church priest of the Church of England, a university lecturer, a social reformer, a historian, a novelist, and a poet. He lived from 12 June 1819 to 23 January 1875. He is known for his involvement in Christian socialism, the working men's college, and the establishment of labor cooperatives, which were unsuccessful but inspired later labor reforms. He was Charles Darwin's friend and correspondent. The eldest child of the Reverend Charles Kingsley and his wife, Mary Lucas Kingsley, Kingsley was born in Holne, Devon. Both his sister Charlotte Chanter (1828-1882) and brother Henry Kingsley (1830-1876) were writers. He was the uncle of the explorer and scientist Mary Kingsley and the father of the novelist Lucas Malet (Mary St. Leger Kingsley, 1852–1931). (1862–1900). The early years of Charles Kingsley were spent in Barnack, Northamptonshire, and Clovelly, Devon, where his father served as Curate from 1826 to 1832 and Rector from 1832 to 1836. Before attending King's College London and the University of Cambridge, he received his education at Bristol Grammar School and Helston Grammar School. Charles enrolled in Cambridge's Magdalene College in 1838 and earned his degree there in 1842.
