This book is indispensable to any serious study of the Glorious Revolution of 1688. It is the only narrative source of the history of England and Scotland from the time of Charles II to Queen Anne written by anybody so highly placed both to observe and to influence the events which he describes.
David Allen's introduction discusses Burnet's life, his reputation both during and after his lifetime, and his significance as a chronicler of the crisis of Protestantism under the later Stuarts.
While he has had both admirers and detractors, Burnet's eager moralising, forceful prose and his love of fame, not to say notoriety, have left few indifferent. For its zest, sincerity and readability this remains today an impressive and invaluable record of a crucial period in British history.
