Ecclesiastical History of the English People is a history of the Christian Churches in England, and of England generally. The main focus is on the conflict between the pre-Schism Roman Rite and Celtic Christianity. Divided into five books, the Ecclesiastical History covers the history of England from the time of Julius Caesar to the date of its completion in 731. Bede sets out not just to tell the story of the English, but to advance his views on politics and religion. In political terms he is a partisan of his native Northumbria, amplifying its role in English history over and above that of Mercia, its great southern rival.
Ecclesiastical History of the English People was originally composed in Latin, and is considered one of the most important original references on Anglo-Saxon history. Bede's work as hagiographer, and his detailed attention to dating were both useful preparations for the task of writing the books, which have played a key role in the development of an English national identity. It is believed to have been completed in 731 when Bede was approximately 59 years old.
This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.