Going to the Wars: The Experience of the British Civil Wars, 1638-1651

by Charles Carlton

In the 1640s, thousands of young men in the British Isles set off to fight in the civil wars, full of enthusiasm and commitment to the cause. They were soon to be disillusioned. Accustomed to a relatively peaceful and secure way of life, the realities of battle - the mental strain, physical exhaustion, loneliness and violence - were devestating. In "Going to the Wars", Charles Carlton studies the British civil wars from the perspective of those who fought them, to argue that the event described by G.M. Trevelyan as the most important happening in our history, was also the most destructive.

Genres: History, British Literature, English Civil War

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[zed · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read in any genre. This superb book explains the trials and tribulation of the peoples that had the misfortune to be caught up in the conflict. Be that the injured, the prisoners and even the children Carlton tells their story. How they survived, how they died, how they lived. Highly recommended.

[Ian Willey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of promise but Carlton has a nasty habit of trying to offend via swearing (why???) or making obtuse comments. Whilst I believe he has made good use of sources I found his reliance and blind faith in Lucy Hutchinson's memoirs worrying.

His habit of rambling on or repeating or going back to topics was a little annoying but I would recommend this book though with caution and not for those new to the subject as this makes a poor foundation to build on

[Ben Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

not for children, not for ben

[Charles Cordell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good account - from an author who knows his soldiering. However, there are a few typos.