Handbook of Dates 2ed: For Students of British History: 4 (Royal Historical Society Guides and Handbooks, Series Number 4)

As a non-historian beginning some researches into local history, I have found this small volume invaluable. Grappling with Gregorian and Julian dates, never mind 'regnal years' dating, has never been my favourite pastime, but this resource cuts straight through to the chase. I don't use it every day, but I certainly feel satisfied that were I have to a problem with understanding a historical date, I'd have a 99% chance of solving it with this. Obviously, unlike the previous reviewer, my needs are not highly demanding or academic, but I think a professional would know where to go to get their questions answered. I would be surprised if enthusiastic amateur local/family historians weren't fully satisfied by Cheney - at worst, I would have thought there should be one copy per local history society!Although this is a reference book rather than a reading book, it's also fun dipping in and finding out arcane factoids to amaze and delight your friends and family!

A vital resource for historians and history students. Acts of parliament are referred to by reginal year and this book makes translating that to calendar year easy. Knowing when saints days were in specific years is also very handy.The introduction and notes are a clear explanation of changes in calendars and dates.

Has provided answers to all the questions I have asked of it so far, as I progress with my research in Local History.

Help in interpreting old history texts and understanding why dates are different long ago.

This is a classic reference book absolutely necessary when dealing with original manuscripts, especially before 1750. Most academic libraries have it, but if yours doesn't, then invest in this life-saver!

Smashing book. Just what I need for archive work to work out reigns of sovereigns and also dates of Saints Days. Invaluable.

Excellent copy purchased as required reading for my course. Arrived in superb condition and very promptly.

Excellent handbook, I refer to it almost every day

I used to do a lot of research and reading old medieval documents. This book is amazing as it would tell me the dates correctly by the kings. It's a bit hard to use at first, but once you get used to it, it works really well.

本書は副題が示す通りのものである。確認しておきたい基本的事実を簡潔にまとめられているので、とても便利な書籍だ。ユリウス暦やグレゴリウス暦、イースターの日付、フランス革命暦etc.のリストがまとめられている。日本史で言うなら、平成を西暦に換算するときや、秀吉の朝鮮侵略のとき慶長何年で、中国が万暦何年であったのか、そういうことを計算することなく参照して整理できるものなのだ。その有益さは研究をするものであれば、あえて言うまでもないかもしれない。西洋の暦なので、イギリス史以外の人間にも有益な書籍であろうと思う。

I was brought up on the first edition of this book and have used it for 40 years. It has always been a trustworthy guide to dates. I was quite happy with my old edition, and did not wish to abandon it. But time marches on and I find I must march with it. There are some changes in the new edition which concern me, but for a young student getting a first taste of the complexity of dates, this will become their Bible. Old dogs have difficulty learning new tricks. But if you are young, buy this book and make it your own.