This book focuses on the 'after-life' of historical texts in the period between the arrival of printing in England and the early eighteenth century. Whereas previous studies of historical writing during this period have focused on their authors and on their style or methodology, this work examines the social forces which controlled what was written, and the impact upon authors of readers and publishers. The intent is to situate the study of history books within the current literature on the history of the book and the history of print culture.