Black Tom: Sir Thomas Fairfax and the English Revolution

by Andrew Hopper

Black Tom delivers a groundbreaking examination of the transformative experience of the English revolution from the viewpoint of one of its leading, yet most neglected, participants. It is the first modern academic study of Fairfax, making it essential reading for university students as well as historians of the seventeenth century. Its accessible style will appeal to a wider audience of those interested in the civil wars and interregnum more generally.

Genres: History

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Reviews

[Farah Mendlesohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I'm actually a bit embarrassed I didn't read it before (when I was working on my own book) but it's clear that subSequent historians took Hopper to heart, and much of what he saw as revision, to me seemed blindingly obvious.

The best parts for me though were the chapters on Fairfax and Bradford: so much I didn't know!

[Geoff Boxell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is basically a series of academic papers and is written in that style. It could even be a Masters' thesis given all the references and quotes from other academics ( I used to run a Masters' programme at Waikato University so know the style only too well).
To get anything from the book you really need an existing knowledge of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms (English Civil War etc.) to follow what is going on. Details of the battles Sir Thomas Fairfax fought in are given short shrift as the author claims that they are well covered elsewhere.
The first part of the book told me nothing new about Sir Thomas. However, from Page 130 onwards, there are separate analysis of aspects of Fairfax's relationships etc. and them I found interesting and insightful.
Although I am an avid reader of books on this period and have an extensive library I did find this book rather turgid to read and, thus, what should have been a two day read ended up a ten day read.

[Susan Grimshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting account of a major figure of the English Civil War who is often overshadowed by Cromwell. However the small font and crowded pages spoilt the enjoyment of reading the book, although putting the relevant notes at the end of each chapter was a good idea.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite heavy-going and an academic style, but a very solid, detailed biography of this overlooked commander of the Parliamentary army, who has been much overshadowed by Cromwell.

[imngrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really glad I read this book. I have been wondering of late where the exceptionally sympathetic representation of Fairfax in some books I read as a kid had come from which was strange because modern historians really didn't give me that impression at all. I now understand that the three previous biographies, the first dating from sometime in the 19th century, all rather over-romanticised his sterling qualities.

Hopper deals with Fairfax in two sections: one biographical and the second discussing the origins of his reputation and the imagery of the "Rider of the White Horse" (naturally the London press -- why hadn't I realised that) of which he realised the value very quickly, to his relationship with Cromwell, etc, etc. It also explains very lucidly, the slurs of the Royalist press of Fairfax not only as a dupe or stooge for Cromwell and the Army council but also as a cuckhold, led by the nose by his wife.

I am still not entirely sure I understand quite how he stood in relation to Charles's execution but then I was not looking for, and definitely not given, a potted version.