Originally published in 1926, the studies in this book illustrate the lives of English children in different historical periods and social contexts. Reconstructions of daily life are used as a means of avoiding the generalised tone employed in many historical accounts, the aim being to develop the young reader's knowledge through a sense of empathy with the figures being described. These figures are a mixture of fictional and real, but all have the basic function of conveying the atmosphere of their age. Highly readable, and containing a large number of beautiful illustrations, the text was co-authored by the renowned medieval historian Eileen Power, together with her sister Rhoda Power. It will be of value to anyone with an interest in early twentieth-century history books for young readers.