Mortimer's A to Zs of English History

“A look at English history from the fourteenth century to the nineteenth and what it all means, from “the most remarkable medieval historian of our time” (The Times)

In Mortimer’s A to Zs of English History, the award-winning author of the Time Traveler’s Guide series explores four major periods from England’s past: Medieval (specifically the fourteenth century), Elizabethan, Restoration, and Regency. Using the A-to-Z format, Mortimer shines a light into corners of history few knew were so fascinating—or revealing.

From animals in medieval England to the abolition of the monarchy during the Restoration, Mortimer poses colorful questions about English history like: how could something as simple as a button change everyday life? What did the fourteenth-century English use for toilet paper and why did they collect their urine? Would Pulp Fiction’s Marsellus Wallace have been more accurate to say “I’m gonna get Elizabethan on your ass?” What were the most subversive subjects featured in Elizabethan plays? How has England’s temperature changed from the late seventeenth century to now? How much tobacco did people smoke during the Restoration? What’s so great about Jane Austen? Why did Regency Londoners drink so much port? And just how dangerous was cutting your toenails? 

In Mortimer’s hands, these questions do more than provide interesting trivia. He uses the answers to show the ebb and flow of England’s development—where it’s gone, and where it’s going. He also shows that history isn’t so far away. Mortimer’s A to Zs of English History not only brings history to life but also changes how we think about it. 

Praise for the writing of Ian Mortimer

“Mortimer transports his readers. . . . Gives readers a seamless sense of being there . . .” —Publishers Weekly

“This is exceptional social history, compellingly told . . .” —Library Journal