HEATH, James, an English historian, was born in
1629 at London; where his father, who was the king's
cutter, lived. He was educated at Westminster School,
and became a student of Christ-church, Oxford, in
1646. In 1648 he was ejected from thence by the
parliament visitors for his adherence to the royal
cause; lived upon his patrimony till it was almost
spent; and then marrying, was obliged to write books
and correct the press in order to maintain his family.
He died of a consumption and dropty at London in
August 1664, and left several children to the parish.
His principal publications were, 1. A brief Chronicle
of the late Intestine War in the Three Kingdoms
of England, Scotland, and Ireland, &c. 1661, 8vo; af-
terwards enlarged by the author, and completed from
1637 to 1663, in four parts, 1663, in a thick 8vo.
To this was again added a continuation from 1663 to
1675 by John Philips, nephew by the mother to Mil-
ton, 1676, folio. 2. Flagellum; or, The Life and
Death, Birth and Burial, of Oliver Cromwell, the late
Usurper, 1663. The third edition came out with ad-
ditions in 1665, 8vo. 3. A New Book of Loyal
English Martyrs and Confessors, who have endured
the Pains and Terrors of Death, Arraignment, &c.
for the Maintenance of the just and legal Government
of these Kingdoms both in Church and State, 1663,
12mo. The reason why such writers as our author
continue to be read, and will probably always be read,
is not only because Historia quoque modo scripta delectat;
but also because in the meanest historian there will al-
ways be found some facts, of which there will be no
cause to doubt the truth, and which yet will not be
found in the best. Thus Heath, who perhaps had
nothing but pamphlets and newspapers to compile
from, frequently relates facts that throw light upon
the history of those times, which Clarendon, though
he drew every thing from the most authentic records,
has omitted.