Cabinet 11: Chronicles

Sir Richard Baker’s Chronicle was written entirely while he was in the Fleet prison in London. With ample access to books, his work is notable for its literary quality and accessible narrative style. First published in 1643, Baker notes in his preface the distinction between histories, which concern matters of state, and chronicles, which concern everyday life. He makes a robust defence of his efforts and lists more than ninety authors and texts that he consulted. Baker’s Chronicle was clearly popular and was re-edited ten times.

Richard Baker, A Chronicle of the Kings of England, from the Time of the Roman Government unto the Death of King James (London: George Sawbridge and Thomas Williams, 1670) de Beer Ec 1670 B