Cromwell and the Interregnum: The Essential Readings

by David L. Smith (Editor)

This reader brings together eight of the most influential recent articles on Oliver Cromwell and the Interregnum. It focuses on the years from Charles I's execution in 1649 to Cromwell's own death in 1658. The articles explore key themes, such as Cromwell's complex personality, beliefs and motives; the nature of his role and influence during the Interregnum; his relationships with Parliaments, the Army and the Council; and the impact of the Commonwealth and Protectorate on British politics and society. They represent the diversity of approaches and perspectives that historians have brought to these issues, but all of them explore why Cromwell never achieved enduring political stability. The book is British in scope, including treatments of Ireland and Scotland as well as England. The volume opens with an editorial introduction to recent controversies in the field, and each essay is prefaced with a headnote setting it within its historiographical context.

Genres: History

Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2003

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very, very good collection of essays. Essential readings? Yes - though scarce on foreign policy which stops me handing it five stars. Woolych's excellent essay on how Cromwell was not in the slighest a military dictator, and Blair Worden's essay on Cromwell's religion - focusing in particular on providence - is also illuminating. It dispels a few myths about Cromwell, and includes the whole range of authorities on Cromwell - Worden, Gaunt, Morrill, Smith, Woolych. Can't go wrong. Very good.

[Tina]

2012/01/09