Early Modern England 1485-1714: A Narrative History

by Robert O. Bucholz, Newton Key

The new, fully-updated edition of the popular introduction to the Tudor-Stuart period--offers fresh scholarship and improved readability.

Early Modern England 1485-1714 is the market-leading introduction to the Tudor-Stuart period of English history. This accessible and engaging volume enables readers to understand the political, religious, cultural, and socio-economic forces that propelled the nation from small feudal state to preeminent world power. The authors, leading scholars and teachers in the field, have designed the text for those with little or no prior knowledge of the subject. The book's easy-to-follow narrative explores the world the English created and inhabited between the 15th and 18th centuries.

This new edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect the latest scholarship on the subject, such as Henry VIII's role in the English Reformation and the use of gendered language by Elizabeth I. A new preface addresses the theme of periodization, while revised chapters offer fresh perspectives on proto-industrialization in England, economic developments in early modern London, merchants and adventurers in the Middle East, the popular cultural life of ordinary people, and more. Offering a lively, reader-friendly narrative of the period, this text:

Offers a wide-ranging overview of two and half centuries of English history in one volume Highlights how social and cultural changes affected ordinary English people at various stages of the time period Explores how the Irish, Scots, and Welsh affected English history Features maps, charts, genealogies and illustrations throughout the text Includes access to a companion website containing online resources Early Modern England 1485-1714 is an indispensable resource for undergraduate students in early modern England courses, as well as students in related fields such as literature and Renaissance studies.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, School, Textbooks, European History, British Literature

473 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2003

About the author

Robert O. Bucholz (D. Phil., University of Oxford, 1988; A.B. Cornell University, 1980) is a professor of history at Loyola University Chicago, where he teaches courses on the history of early modern Great Britain, the city of London and Western Civilization.

Reviews

[Mousie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. It does seem more of a textbook but it is incredibly readable and enjoyable. It is an in depth and thorough look at the Tudor and Stuart dynasties and how the affected England and the modern world. You learn, not only of the big events, the kings, their wars and struggles, but also how those events shaped the lives of those who lived through that time. How society changed, how it overcame the tensions and struggles as England shifted from the medieval to the modern - with far reaching consequences that touch us to this very day.

This is going to be a resource I turn to for quite a while -

[Stephen Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly as advertised. It looks at the monarchs of England (from Henry VII through Anne), the challenges they faced and how they dealt with them. It weaves several themes throughout the book.

1. The monarch steadily lost power throughout this period because parliament controlled the pursestrings. Henry VIII got involved in a lot of wars and set up his own church (which was really Catholicism without the Pope) and needed allies in parliament to pay for them. So he called parliaments more often than he wanted. Elizabeth got in less wars, so she called them less, but still needed money so couldn't avoid them altogether. The Stuarts were in constant conflict with parliament on issues of royal prerogatives, taxes and religion, which eventually got one executed and another deposed. Through the Civil War and Glorious Revolution, parliament claimed sovereignty of the country, as opposed to a divinely appointed monarch. After the Glorious Revolution, England was involved in multiple wars that cost money, which meant that the monarch must appoint ministers who could get parliament to go along. This led in the direction of having a Prime Minister to run the country, which began shortly after the Hanovers took over.

2. Protestantism did not pay off for the crown. Once Henry VIII, broke away from Rome, he wanted to use Anglicanism as a means to control his people, but protestants are a surly lot and kept dissenting from his views. This was less an issue for him, but a much bigger one for the Stuarts. A few monarchs wanted to reinstate Catholicism, but that faced a huge backlash as the country had become overwhelmingly protestant. This was a factor in the Civil War and in the Glorious Revolution. For the last few Stuarts, tolerance of all protestants was policy, although Catholics were still facing potential persecution.

3. The need for money, which drove power to parliament, also made the English become more creative in raising revenue. Because of judicious use of taxes and promoting trade, England was punching above it's weight in wars. The Bank of England was formed in the 1690s to finance war with France and paid off big in the long term. The authors disparage English strength under Henry VIII, compared with Spain and France. Although Elizabeth expanded its power, it was still a minor player. But with the accession of William and Mary and then Anne, England began its ascent to being the greatest power in the world by the mid-19th century.

This is a good read. It focuses mainly on political issues, but also digresses into societal changes, which I found less interesting. If you want to get a good introduction to English monarchs, this one is very good.

[Shannen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can only speak to the 2nd edition, but this book is a little mid. It presents the history of England from 1485 as a series of events primarily from the perspective of each consecutive monarch. However, at least in the 2nd edition, the detailed explanations of the different motives and inner lives of each historical figure fall apart when we come to any of the women.
About Mary I, the authors write: "It has been said that her reign was as sterile as she was." Absolute cowards, writing "it has been said," like they're not the ones saying it. TRASH.

[Library Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read it for school, but it has great info about the English late Renascence, to the early 1700's. If You're interested on a few details of the early English steppingstones to the American Revaluation, or some context to John Lock or other authors. And much more to things like trade, and the English mentality.

[Mary Brace · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to read a detailed story about the Tudor/Stuart years in Great Britain this book is very good. The book tracks The Great Courses course called, the History of England from the Tudors to the Stuarts with Professor Bucholz. Dr. Bulcholz is a very engaging professor and I enjoyed watching the course as well as reading the book.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating time in the history of England that affected every Western European country. Well written and easy to understand, it covers complex layers of British society, from the top to bottom, at a time of economic and religious upheaval.

[Lisa Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent narrative history. This is a fantastic book to read for pleasure.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and enjoyable, very thorough

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

boring! not enough pictures!

[Arjun Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

My professor said that all English history textbooks are wretched. I found this quite good. It covers the social, political, noble, and common. A lot of emphasis is placed on the Great Chain of Being. The thought is correct, but the doctrine seems wrong.

[Matthias · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easily readable narrative text of Tudor and Stuart history, suitable for college students or anyone who has an interest in this period. It's written with Americans in mind, so it does not assume knowledge of the more obscure elements of British history, the monarchy, or the aristocracy.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, it's a textbook, but a very readable one. Of course, I loved this era of history anyways.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

currently re-reading

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in conjunction with a Great Courses class by the author. Feel as if I have a good introduction to the Tudors and Stuarts now.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read.

[Matthew Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quality academic text.

[Jennie Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok for a textbook

[Neisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! I had this for a Tudor and Stuart England history class, and it was one of the best textbooks I have ever read. I plan on possibly purchasing the next portion of this book from 1714 onwards. Great read, great info.