A Dictionary of British History

Book excerpt: A Dictionary of British History offers more than 3,800 authoritative entries written by more than 100 specialists. Now completely revised and updated, it describes the people and events that have shaped political, social, and cultural life in Britain since 55 B.C. Here, in a miracle of compression, are articles that define Robin Hood and Gerry Adams, Black Death and Terrorism, Dunkirk and Wembley Stadium, Winston Churchill and Gordon Brown. Who was the first King of England? Who negotiated Indian independence? How long did the Hundred Years War last? All the answers can be found in this handy reference work, covering more than 2,000 years of people, events, places, and changes. This edition includes a timeline and an appendix of recommended web links that provide extra information--accessible through the Dictionary of British History companion website, where they are kept up to date.