A book "written in simple language, sufficiently full to serve for reference, and at the same time sufficiently interesting to be read as well as to be consulted," was the purpose of H. O. Arnold-Forster when he condensed his previously published series, "Things New and Old" into one volume. This book covers the time of Julius Caesar's landing in "Britannia" in 55 B.C. to the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 A. D. It includes the original maps and notes along with additional editorial footnotes. H. O. Arnold-Forster's book was used in Charlotte Mason's schools for the study of English history. Although originally published over 100 years ago, the characters and events are worthy of study today. The past is presented in a way that allows the present to be enriched with the wealth of all that has gone before.

This volume, which is a portion of a book that was used in Charlotte Mason's schools for English History, contains the history of Britain from the reign of Queen Anne through the reign of Queen Victoria. "A small book, written in simple language, sufficiently full to serve for reference, and at the same time sufficiently interesting to be read as well as to be consulted, and a book within the reach of all in matter of price, is what very many men and women, both young and old, undoubtedly require. To supply such a book has been the sole aim of the author." -H. O. Arnold-Forster Originally published before 1923, it tells of characters and events which are worthy of study today. "It is a great thing to possess a pageant of history in the background of one's thoughts...the present becomes enriched with the wealth of all that has gone before." (Charlotte Mason)