Description

A brilliant appraisal of the Civil War and its long-term consequences, by an acclaimed historian.

The political upheaval of the mid-seventeenth century has no parallel in English history. Other events have changed the occupancy and the powers of the throne, but the conflict of 1640-60 was more dramatic: the monarchy and the House of Lords were abolished, to be replaced by a republic and military rule.

In this wonderfully readable account, Blair Worden explores the events of this period and their origins – the war between King and Parliament, the execution of Charles I, Cromwell’s rule and the Restoration – while aiming to reveal something more elusive: the motivations of contemporaries on both sides and the concerns of later generations.

Publisher Review

An exemplary piece of popular history... opening up perhaps the most important national story to the nation, passionately retold yet unadorned ... If you want to be informed about that unfortunate period of English history, Blair Worden's crisp 160-pager may well be the best place to start -- Nicholas Bagnal * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH * As an introduction to the English civil wars, Worden's book is peerless. Brief, though it is, it is a work of exceptionally large achievement * THE SPECTATOR * Straightforward, stimulating and a joy to read ... It makes you want to know more * LITERARY REVIEW * It is hard to imagine a better introduction to the subject * HISTORY TODAY * Worden is a spellbinding writer ... he skewers the myriad shifting issues with precision, his every sentence commanding respect for his measured judgment and the marvellous suppleness of his language * DAILY EXPRESS *