Reluctant Revolutionaries: Englishmen and the Revolution of 1688 (Oxford Paperbacks) - Softcover

Speck, W. A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192851209 ISBN 13: 9780192851208

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1989

Synopsis

In 1688 the Catholic James II was removed from the throne and replaced by Protestant monarchs, first William III, and then Mary. The importance of this "glorious revolution," long seen as a crucial shift in Britain from absolutism to constitutional monarchy, has recently been questioned by historians. This wide-ranging book takes a fresh look at the people and events of 1688. Challenging recent work and arguing that 1688 did see a decisive, though not inevitable, movement toward mixed, constitutional monarchy, Speck provides a vivid picture of politics and society in the Glorious Revolution. He explores the nature of the late Stuart monarchy, and its likely development without the "accident" of James II; the personality of James himself, and the significance of his flight; the nature of the conspiracy to invite William of Orange to England and place him on the throne; and the Revolution's constitutional importance and long-term social and religious implications.

About this title

About the Author

W. A. Speck is Professor of Modern History at the Unversity of Leeds

Review

` outstanding ... excellent and well-written.' Problems of Communism.

'brief but excellent account of these events ... a thoroughly convincing account of the 1688 crisis.' The Spectator

'an extremely lucid, well-researched and invariably perceptive analysis' Linda Colley, Times Literary Supplement

'this is a discursive and scholarly work' Northwest Journal of Historical Studies

'a clear and coherent interpretation of the events of 1688 ... a clear and judicious narrative ... Professor Speck has succeeded in combining the findings of others with his own research to produce a fresh and readable synthesis which ... is now probably the best general introduction to the revolution of 1688.' Stephen Taylor, University of Reading, Journal of Ecclesiastical History

'one of the very best of the many celebratory studies that we have had in the past few years ... Indeed it is so good that it would have been worth inventing the tercentenary just to get it. This is a short book, but it is thoughtful, clear, wise and authoritative. Our lords and masters should take note. 'Centres of excellence' have nothing to do with size. The best things can come in the smallest packages.' Angus McInnes, University of Keele, British Journal for Eighteenth Century Studies

'This is the most important book to appear to commemorate the tercentenary of the so-called Glorious Revolution and it offers a vivid and vigorous account of the events of 1688-9. It is difficult to see a better study being produced for many years.' Jeremy Black, Teaching History

'the only full-scale scholarly study produced by the anniversary ... It is certainly timely ... compact and attractively written book.' H.M. Scott, University of St Andrews, International History Review Vol IX Nov '89

'thorough and detailed exposition ... a very stimulating study ... This is a book that is well worth reading several times and to have as a reference work.' Huguenot and Walloon Gazette Vol 2 No 1 '90

'Speck offers a valuable account of the successful conspiracy and invasion that led to England's commitment to the anti-French camp at the beginning of the Nine Years' War' Jeremy Black, European History Quarterly, Vol.21 (1991)

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0192851209
• ISBN 13: 9780192851208
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 280