Constitutional Royalism and the Search for Settlement, c.1640-1649

Hardback

Main Details

Title Constitutional Royalism and the Search for Settlement, c.1640-1649
Authors and Contributors      By (author) David L. Smith
SeriesCambridge Studies in Early Modern British History
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:392
Dimensions(mm): Height 237,Width 160
Category/GenreBritish and Irish History
ISBN/Barcode 9780521410564
ClassificationsDewey:941.062
Audience
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 8 September 1994
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

'Constitutional royalism' is one of the most familiar yet least often examined of all the political labels found in the historiography of the English Revolution. This book fills a gap by investigating the leading Constitutional royalists who rallied to King Charles I in 1642 while consistently urging him to reach an 'accommodation' with Parliament. These royalists' early careers reveal that a commitment to the rule of law and a relative lack of 'godly' zeal were the characteristic predictors of Constitutional royalism in the Civil War. Such attitudes explain why many of them criticised the policies of the King's personal rule, but also why they joined the King in 1642 and tried to achieve a negotiated settlement thereafter. The final part of the book traces the Constitutional royalists through the Interregnum - during which they consciously withdrew from public life - to the Restoration, when many of them returned to prominence and saw their ideas vindicated.

Reviews

'His well-planned elegantly executed book is a pleasure to read.' The Times Literary Supplement '... a perceptive and well-argued book ... impressive ... strong in argument, rich in detail and long on perspective.' Brian Quintrell, History