I'm reading two great books at the moment on the drama of English history. The first, written by Patrick Collinson, offers a readable take on the Reformation era, starting with early reform movements of the 14th century and landing somewhere toward the start of the 17th. For students of this revolutionary period, it's a riveting account.
The second is a book that's just been released by Simon Thurley focused on Britain's remarkable inventory of history monuments and buildings. The book charts the growth - beginning largely in the 19th century - of public works programs dedicated to historic preservation. The pictures alone are worth the price of admission: from the Tower, to Stonehenge, to Hampton Court and more, Thurley brings to life England's gradual - and then rapid - turn toward its past.
I'm enjoying both.
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