This is the third collection of the author's historical essays containing 15 essays ranging from an account of the Jesuit Matteo Ricci's mission in China in the 16th century to a discussion of the early Stuart Court, on the plunder of artistic treasures in Europe during the wars of the 17th century, on the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and religious toleration thereafter. It also includes biographical studies of Archbishop Laud, Matthew Wren, the Earl of Clarendon and Prince Rupert.