WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR SETS OUT FOR BATTLE.

Makers of England

Authors: Eva March Tappan
Publisher: Lee and Shepard, Boston
Dates: 1900–1903

This series provides biographies of four of the most important monarchs of England. The life and times of each of the subjects is masterfully told, in a manner accessible to middle school students, or even older grammar school students. The stories of the two early kings of England, Alfred of the Saxons, and William of Normandy, are filled with danger, adventure, battles and intrigue, which well illustrate the rough and difficult times in which they lived, and would likely be especially appealing to boys.

The stories of the two Queens, Elizabeth and Victoria, also reflect the eras in which they lived. The Tudor period was transitional, as England began its rise as a sea power, and grappled with the difficulties of the reformation. The Victorian era was prosperous, modern, and relatively frivolous compared to the earlier, more rugged ages.

Each of these biographies is written to appeal to young students and focuses on the life and character of the subject rather than dwelling on ongoing political events. The childhood of each of the heroes and heroines is given in great detail, and only the most significant political events of their reigns are touched upon.

In the Days of Alfred the Great   by E. M. Tappan
The story of the life of Alfred the Great, is presented in a manner that is of great interest to younger students. The book places great emphasis on the childhood of Alfred, and tells how at twenty-two he inherited a land overrun by savage pirates,—a restless ignorant, defenseless land. After spending most of his youth in conflict with the invaders, the final chapters tell how he fought the Danes and restored the country to a condition of peace and safety.94 credits

In the Days of William the Conqueror   by E. M. Tappan
This story of the life of William the Conqueror, telling of his boyhood in Normandy, beset by dangers, is written with great flourish in a manner that is especially appealing to young boys. From his earliest years, his life was one of adventure and conquest. As a youth he was knitted by the King of France, who eventually became his worst enemy. Afterward he proved himself the greatest warrior in all of Europe and completed his victorious career with his daring conquest of England.96 credits

In the Days of Queen Elizabeth   by E. M. Tappan
This story of the life of Queen Elizabeth, the famous English sovereign who guided England through the troubled waters of the latter half of the sixteenth century, was written to appeal to grammar and middle school aged students. A good deal of attention is paid to the formative, youthful years of princess Elizabeth, and the later chapters include stories of English voyages of exploration and the defeat of the Spanish armada.88 credits

In the Days of Queen Victoria   by E. M. Tappan
This book tells the story of the life of Queen Victoria, a well-beloved woman who became queen at eighteen and for nearly 64 years wore the crown of Great Britain. In order to appeal to youngsters, the book focuses largely on the childhood of the princess. It relates her training for the monarchy and the exemplary way she executed her duties, while managing a household of nine children. The focus of this book stays on Victoria herself rather than on the politics of the Victorian age.101 credits