Oliver Cromwell : British Library Historic Lives - Hardcover

Peter Gaunt

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0712348573 ISBN 13: 9780712348577

Publisher: British Library Publishing Division, 2004

Synopsis

Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) is a figure of enormous importance in the history of Britain. Propelled to prominence amid the political and military turmoil of the 1640s, he became a dazzlingly successful soldier and politician, a man who possessed the power and influence to shape the course of revolution and reform. A natural military genius, he played a crucial role both in crushing royalism in England and Wales and in establishing English republican control over Ireland and Scotland. He rose to be head of the army and eventually head of state of a united Britain as Lord Protector. He was a statesman of considerable ability, running a strong and stable regime, which began the process of rebuilding the nation and healing the divisions of the civil war. Yet Cromwell was also a religious visionary, a man of God, who believed that the Lord had not only chosen him for some special mission but had also handed him the military success and political power to fulfil that divine mission. In consequence, Cromwell strove during his closing years to bring to fruition a broad programme of religious and moral reformation, to the end displaying a burning zeal to create a better and more Godly land, and thus always retained his radical edge. This illustrated biography provides a concise and accessible introduction to Oliver Cromwell's life and career. The text draws upon extensive and up-to-date research as well as contemporary speeches and letters, both personal and political, and gives an insight into the hopes and fears, goals and aspirations of this powerful and exceptional man.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

This book re-examines Cromwell's life and career. It opens with an assessment of the man and myth, exploring the legends which surround Cromwell, the differing interpretations advanced by generations of historians and the source material upon which such interpretations can be based. The book then provides an extensive, chronologically based examination of Cromwell's life and career, highlighting key events and turning points. It closes with thematic assessments of some key aspects of Cromwell, including his character and appearance, his political outlook and his religious beliefs.

About the Author:

Peter Gaunt is Senior Lecturer in History at University College Chester. He is also Chairman of The Cronwell Association.

Historical Association Studies are incisive essays on major historical topics. Intended for students, books in the series provide critical interpretations of research in some of the central themes and key episodes of history.

About this edition

• Publisher: British Library Publishing Division
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0712348573
• ISBN 13: 9780712348577
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 144