The Cambridge Historical Encyclopedia of Great Britain and Ireland

The history of Britain and Ireland is traditionally presented as a succession of dramatic changes, but in this reference work the 60 contributors under the editorship of Christopher Haigh have emphasized patterns of continuity instead, including cultural, social, political and economic themes. The Encyclopedia consists of seven chronological sections from prehistory to present times, completed by a biographical Who's Who. Each section begins with a survey or overview describing the major features and trends of the period. Specialist articles follow, which interpret developments within the spheres of government and politics; warfare and international relations; economy, society (including living conditions); and culture (including education). The interpretive articles are richly illustrated not only with specific visual records, buildings and portraiture, but also with representations of dress, housing, transport, and everyday objects, intended to give the reader as vivid a feeling as possible for each period consulted. Maps and genealogies are included wherever they are helpful. Christopher Haigh is the editor of The English Reformation Revisited (CUP, 1987).