3 Review(s)

Cromwell is a key figure in English, Irish, and Scottish history. The deep-rooted controversies that surround him make an examination of his reputation particularly fruitful: at one extreme blood-stained regicide, at the other "God's Englishman". The author examines a number of themes: Cromwell's rise from obscurity to Lord Protector; the nature and effect of his military achievements; his religious beliefs; his political role; and his attempt to build a new state. Each of these themes carries a vortex of debate that the author evaluates before offering his own views on how the debate should move forward and, where necessary, change direction.