Green, J. R. (1837-1883), a British historian, became known for his work A Short History of the English People. The work was a new kind of history book. Instead of detailing political events, it showed the life of the people. It was published in 1874 and immediately became popular. Green expanded his Short History into The History of the English People (1880). He also wrote The Making of England (1881) and The Conquest of England (1883). John Richard Green was born in Oxford, England, on Dec. 12, 1837. He died on March 7, 1883.