A Brief History of Charles II Of England Author:Jacob Abbott Charles was popularly known as the Merrie Monarch, in reference to both the liveliness and hedonism of his court and the general relief at the return to normality after over a decade of rule by Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans. Charles?s wife, Catherine of Braganza, bore no children, but Charles acknowledged at least 12 illegitimate children by ... more »various mistresses. Preface: The author of this series has made it his special object to confine himself very strictly, even in the most minute details which he records, to historic truth. The narratives are not tales founded upon history, but history itself, without any embellishment or any deviations from the strict truth, so far as it can now be discovered by an attentive examination of the annals written at the time when the events themselves occurred. In writing the narratives, the author has endeavored to avail himself of the best sources of information which one can afford; and though, of course, there must be in these volumes, as in all historical accounts, more or less of imperfection and error, there is no intentional embellishment. Nothing is stated, not even the most minute and apparently imaginary details, without what was deemed good historical authority. The readers, therefore, may rely upon the record as the truth, and nothing but the truth, so far as an honest purpose and a careful examination have been effectual in ascertaining it. Contents: Prince Charles As A Child Queen Henrietta Queen Henrietta Flees From Danger Henrietta?s Children Flee From Danger Prince Charles? Reception In Paris Charles II And Anne Maria The Royal Oak Of Boscobel Charles II Flees To France The Restoration The Marriage Of Charles II The Character And Reign Of Charles II Conclusion« less