Boscobel (ePub)

Thomas Blount (1618-1679) was an English antiquarian and lexicographer, most known for his detailed work 'Nomolexicon: A Law-Dictionary' and his book 'Boscobel' which chronicles the escape of Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Blount was born into a gentry family in Worcestershire and was educated at the Pembroke College, Oxford, though he left without obtaining a degree. He went on to study law at the Inner Temple in London, pursuing a career as a barrister. His legal background heavily influenced his writing, particularly his interest in etymology and the history of legal terms. In 'Boscobel, or the Compleat History of the Most Miraculous Preservation of King Charles II' (1660), Blount recounts the King's concealment in an oak tree and his subsequent evasion of the Parliamentary forces, drawing upon firsthand testimonies to authenticate the narrative. The book not only proved popular for its subject matter but also for its accessible prose, reflecting Blount's literary style that melded scholarly attention to detail with engaging storytelling. Blount's contribution to English literature and the preservation of historical events has been recognized by historians and literary scholars, who note his works as valuable resources for understanding not just the legal language of the 17th century but also the social and political contexts of his time.