The English Civil Wars: A Beginner's Guide

Beginner's Guide (Oneworld Publications)

by Patrick Little

A king beheaded. A monarchy abolished. And a commoner leading a republic by military rule set in their place. The wars that tore through the country in the mid-seventeenth century – splitting government, communities and families alike – were a true watershed in English history. But how, with Queen Elizabeth I’s Golden Age still in living memory, did such a situation arise?Exploring the period’s political disputes, religious conflicts and military battles, Patrick Little scrutinizes the nature and practicalities of conducting a civil war on English soil, as well as the experiences and motivations of key factions and combatants. By assessing how the realities of life in England shaped the conflict –and were torn apart by it – this wonderfully readable Beginner’s Guide gets to the very heart of how a people came to kill their king.

Genres: History

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 3, 2014

About the author

Patrick Little is Senior Research Fellow, History of Parliament Trust.

Reviews

[Carolyn Cash · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction for anyone wanting to learn more about the English Civil Wars.

An easy-to-read guide to a complicated era, exploring the period's political disputes, religious conflicts, and military battles.

It examines the nature and practicalities of conducting a civil war on English soil, including civilians caught up during this time of turmoil, and gets to the heart of how people came to kill their king.

[Matty Parkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

"A wonderful introduction... tells an intricate story with amazing clarity." - Not my words, the words of Jason Peacey on the back of book. It was alright, not what I expected but a good account of history. Lots of names that I couldnt piece together. Lost interest quite quickly but learnt.

[Dan Vine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good clear introduction to a fascinating yet confusing period of English history

[Jay Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst it covered the civil wars succinctly and accessibility there's little detail in many areas and a whole host of names that mean little to a general reader.