Oliver Cromwell

Description

Cromwell is a key figure in English, Irish, and Scottish history. The deep-rooted controversies that surround him make an examination of his reputation particularly fruitful: at one extreme blood-stained regicide, at the other "God's Englishman". The author examines a number of themes: Cromwell's rise from obscurity to Lord Protector; the nature and effect of his military achievements; his religious beliefs; his political role; and his attempt to build a new state. Each of these themes carries a vortex of debate that the author evaluates before offering his own views on how the debate should move forward and, where necessary, change direction.

J. C. Davis is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of East Anglia, UK

Colin Davis brings an unrelenting intelligence to his interrogation of the treacherous sources for the life of Oliver Cromwell, and he demands answers to radical questions. The result is a study that is wonderfully fresh, bold and challenging. It makes for gripping reading. John Morrill, Professor of British and Irish Histo Overall, this book is excellent and is a very enjoyable read. Concise and clear, it is a good starting point for those who do not know much about Oliver Cromwell. However, for those with more knowledge it offers new and often valuable insigts into the man and includes all the latest historical research. I can thoroughly recommend this book. Journal of the Sealed Knot Society Although other historians have already provided recent and easily accessible studies of Cromwell Davis's is distinctively different and will undoubtedly find new readers. Times Higher Education Supplement Davis's is the best analysis we have of Cromwell's religion and its politics. Journal of Modern History