37

Three Criminal Types

By Karl Philipp Moritz

Karl Philipp Moritz described three kinds of criminal in Georgian England, from the gentlemanly cutpurse to the deadly footpad.

38

An Ideal Location

By Sir Ernest Scott

Many of Australia’s first cities were planned by British bureaucrats who had never been there, which may explain why they put them in the wrong places.

39

Christmas Under Cromwell

By John Evelyn

In 1657, Sir John Evelyn celebrated Christmas in a church for the first time in years. Unfortunately, someone told the authorities what he was doing.

40

A Patriot, Sir!

By Sir Robert Walpole

Sir Robert Walpole wasn’t impressed with kind of politician who pursues his own ambitions in the name of serving the country.

41

The Most Liberal State in Europe

By Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet)

French essayist Voltaire provoked the wrath of his government by explaining how England was superior to every European state including the Roman Empire.

42

Time Itself Will Ruin Us

By Sir John Eliot

Sir John Eliot told the Commons that what worried him wasn’t the sabre-rattling of foreign leaders, it was incompetence and corruption at home.