A short history of life in the 16th and 17th centuries under the Tudor and Stuart monarchs. This fascinating book covers all the important events that changed the course of history, including Henry VIII's divorce and establishment of the Church of England, the colonisation of America and the Civil War between Roundheads and Cavaliers. Over 100 colourful illustrations, many from contemporary paintings, take you on a voyage of discovery, from the daily lives of ordinary people to Sir Francis Drake's adventures on the high seas.