Essex has a very distinctive character and a historic tradition of which its people are justifiably proud. More than most counties is enjoys a strong sense of county identity, evidenced, not least, by the great success of the first edition of this book, described as 'the outstanding work on Essex of the post-war decades'.
More ;scholarly' in approach than most general county histories, it is still very readable and accessible. Indeed, it is complementary to a conventional account of events in the county in that it looks rather at the influence that Essex and its people have exercised on the wider history of England - and, for that matter, of Europe. Neale does not just record what happened, he evaluates why it happened, in the context of cultural, social, economic and topographical dimensions.
Significant growth of knowledge of prehistoric and of modern Essex has led to this new edition, which brings the work up-to-date in relation to the most recent scholarship and research. The author has taken the opportunity to enhance and extend each chapter and to produce a new and increased range of illustrations even more fully captioned and integrated with the text in a larger and more modern format. A much more attractive book than its predecessor, it will appeal to a much wider readership. The general reader, as well as the students of Essex history will find this a useful and enjoyable book. Indeed it should find a home on the shelves of all with an interest in the making of the county and its place in English history.
Contents:
List of Illustrations and Maps
Acknowledgements
Foreword by Lord Braybrooke
Preface, 1st Edition, 1977
Preface, 2nd edition, 1997
1. Roman Essex and the Prehistoric Background
2. The East Saxons
3. The Normans in Essex
4. Medieval Essex
5. Essex Under the Tudors
6. Stuart Essex and the Civil War
7. Hanoverian Essex
8. Essex in the Age of Victoria
9. Modern Essex
Reference Note 1: Essex Histiography
Reference Note 2: Bibliography
Index
Review:... provides illuminating insights into Essex history and will be enjoyed by all those interested in the county's past. - Essex Journal
