This is the second edition of Ronald Hutton's popular book on the unique period of history during which the British Isles were united under the rule of a republic, represented by a government and a series of Parliaments sitting at Westminster. It includes a new introductory section in which the author reviews the research undertaken into this period since the first edition appeared in 1990, and provides a personal and critical evaluation of it.
Ronald Hutton (born 1953) is an English historian who specializes in the study of Early Modern Britain, British folklore, pre-Christian religion and contemporary Paganism. A professor of history at the University of Bristol, Hutton has published fourteen books and has appeared on British television and radio.
This book has taken forever and a day to read as I've been trying to memorise various dates from it (with limited success). The subject matter is presented in a clear, coherent way. Although it is a short volume, it contains a lot of quotations and a hefty suggested reading list at the back.
All in all, a brilliant introduction to the British Republic, if a little dry at times.