The Bloodless Revolution: England, 1688

by Stuart E. Prall

The Glorious Revolution of 1688 represented a crucial turning point in modern British history by decisively shifting political power from the monarchy to Parliament. In this cogent study, first published in 1972, Stuart Prall offers a well-balanced account of the Revolution, its roots, and its consequences. The events of 1688, Prall argues, cannot be viewed in isolation. Examining the tempestuous half-century that preceded and precipitated William and Mary’s accession, he provides a comprehensive overview of the Revolution’s context and of its historical meaning.

“[Prall] insists that the Revolution of 1688 was the culmination of a long crisis begun back in 1640, and the revolution settlement was the resolution of problems which the Puritan Revolution and the Restoration had left unsolved.  This is an admirable combination of analysis, commentary upon views of historians, and chronological narrative, starting with the Restoration in 1660 and continuing through the Act of Settlement in 1701.”— Choice

Genres: History

360 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 1985

Reviews

[Kevin Baird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of a complicated time. Prall argues that England's Glorious Revolution of 1688 stemmed from questions unanswered by the civil war earlier in the century. The beheading of Charles I, the rule of Cromwell, and the Restoration failed to resolve how Parliament and King should get along in a changing England. To answer the questions of why England in 1688, and why the actors involved behaved as they did, he takes a comprehensive view, looking at institutions and individuals and considering the influence of political, religious, and social beliefs. Prall sometimes has trouble managing all of this information; in particular, he frequently refers to events before describing them in detail, which can prove confusing. But with patience, one can take away a detailed understanding of seventeenth-century England.