Divine Right and Democracy: An Anthology of Political Writing in Stuart England

by David Wootton

The seventeenth century was England’s century of revolution, an era in which the nation witnessed protracted civil wars, the execution of a king, and the declaration of a short-lived republic. During this period of revolutionary crisis, political writers of all persuasions hoped to shape the outcome of events by the force of their arguments. To read the major political theorists of Stuart England is to be plunged into a world in which many of our modern conceptions of political rights and social change are first formulated. David Wootton's masterly compilation of speeches, essays, and fiercely polemical pamphlets--organized into chapters focusing on the main debates of the century--represents the first attempt to present in one volume a broad collection of Stuart political thought. In bringing together abstract theorizing and impassioned calls to arms, anonymous tract writers and King James I, Wootton has produced a much-needed collection; in combination with the editor’s thoughtful running commentary and invaluable Introduction, its texts bring to life a crucial period in the formation of our modern liberal and conservative theories.

Genres: History, Politics, British Literature, Philosophy, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

MA, PhD (Cantab), FRHistS

David Wootton is Anniversary Professor of History. He works on the intellectual and cultural history of the English speaking countries, Italy, and France, 1500-1800. He is currently writing a book entitled Power, Pleasure and Profit based on his Carlyle Lectures at the University of Oxford in 2014. His most recent book is The Invention of Science, published by Allen Lane.

In 2016 he will give the annual Besterman Lecture at the University of Oxford.

He was educated at Oxford and Cambridge, and has held positions in history and politics at four British and four Canadian universities, and visiting postions in the US, before coming to York.

Reviews

[Sam Lien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a big fan of the topic, but Wootton compiled some really interesting materials.

[Samuel Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reader of political texts, especially liked the succinct notes and intros to each chapter. Read selections from various sections.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read about 75% for my dissertation and finished the rest of it this week. Really valuable introduction to these writings.