Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Thomas Dunne Books (2014), Hardcover, 512 pages
Description
Examines the Stuart dynasty during a turbulent seventeenth century marked by civil war, the execution of Charles I, the rule of Oliver Cromwell, and the deposition and exile of James II.
User reviews
LibraryThing member CarltonC
Another enjoyable, illuminating and very readable volume in Ackroyd's History of England. This volume is very much about the political changes during the period and is a clear introduction to the vast changes that took place. As usual in the series, there are also chapters on notable individuals
Although I have come away with a far clearer idea what happened in terms of "one ... thing after another....", and a better understanding of the why the kings acted in the way that they did, I did not understand Cromwell. Ackroyd does try hard to convey the contradictory nature of this central figure to the period, I just felt it lacking, although perhaps that is me (or my ability to understand someone who was apparently reliant on revealed divine guidance).
I also found that the general population's apparent intense interest in religious matters followed by the reduction in interest could have been a bit better explained, although this is perhaps understandable just based on the death and destruction of the Civil Wars. But Ackroyd clearly reports this significant change in the larger society. I also found it strange that Anglicanism had so thoroughly become the religion of the country in the hundred years since Henry VIII/Elizabeth I that Ackroyd can state that only about 2-3% of the population were Roman Catholic in the time of James II.
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and social history to round out the picture of the age.Although I have come away with a far clearer idea what happened in terms of "one ... thing after another....", and a better understanding of the why the kings acted in the way that they did, I did not understand Cromwell. Ackroyd does try hard to convey the contradictory nature of this central figure to the period, I just felt it lacking, although perhaps that is me (or my ability to understand someone who was apparently reliant on revealed divine guidance).
I also found that the general population's apparent intense interest in religious matters followed by the reduction in interest could have been a bit better explained, although this is perhaps understandable just based on the death and destruction of the Civil Wars. But Ackroyd clearly reports this significant change in the larger society. I also found it strange that Anglicanism had so thoroughly become the religion of the country in the hundred years since Henry VIII/Elizabeth I that Ackroyd can state that only about 2-3% of the population were Roman Catholic in the time of James II.
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LibraryThing member devenish
As always,as with anything written by Peter Ackroyd,this is beautifully written. In volume three of 'The History Of England' we reach the period of the 'Civil War'. This is a period which interests me particularly and Ackroyd brings up many snippets of information which are new to me.
I certainly
I certainly
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look forward with keen anticipation to the next volume in this fascinating series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Opinionated
Peter Ackroyd continues with his "great man" view of history. Its well written of course and his profiles of some of the protagonists, such as Cromwell, are incisive but I wasn't able to grasp not why the Civil War started but why, in the end, it couldn't be stopped. Not a scholarly work, but
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entertaining Show Less
LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
I found this history a little difficult to get through - I felt stuck in the muck of the English Civil War for days. I did manage to finish, however, and I did appreciate this book as an overview of the period. The author's focus was on political history, although a view short chapters did provide
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the reader with some idea of the literature and science which emerged during the era as well. A good overview of 17th-century England. Show Less
LibraryThing member Waltersgn
An overview of the monarchy from the accession of James I to the fleeing of James II. A general bibliography of the principle characters is provided.
LibraryThing member LibraryCin
This is a political history of England in the 17th century.
I hadn't realized it was going to be all politics. There was a lot of conflict between the monarchy and the Parliament. It probably didn't help that it was on audio, which is always trickier to hold my attention. I guess, in addition to
I hadn't realized it was going to be all politics. There was a lot of conflict between the monarchy and the Parliament. It probably didn't help that it was on audio, which is always trickier to hold my attention. I guess, in addition to
Show More
the politics, there was some religion, but that doesn't make it much (any?) better for me, either. My attention focused in brief intervals, but it wasn't enough to enjoy it or even rate it “ok” for me. I had hoped to learn about a new group of people, but it just wasn't interesting enough for me. Show Less
LibraryThing member LibraryCin
This is a political history of England in the 17th century.
I hadn't realized it was going to be all politics. There was a lot of conflict between the monarchy and the Parliament. It probably didn't help that it was on audio, which is always trickier to hold my attention. I guess, in addition to
I hadn't realized it was going to be all politics. There was a lot of conflict between the monarchy and the Parliament. It probably didn't help that it was on audio, which is always trickier to hold my attention. I guess, in addition to
Show More
the politics, there was some religion, but that doesn't make it much (any?) better for me, either. My attention focused in brief intervals, but it wasn't enough to enjoy it or even rate it “ok” for me. I had hoped to learn about a new group of people, but it just wasn't interesting enough for me. Show Less
LibraryThing member robeik
The third in a series by Peter Ackroyd. The author has an engaging style, and includes a number of vignettes on social topics and literature. Lots of detail on the interaction of the king at the time (or Protector i.e. Cromwell) and the parliaments. Most interesting to see is the development of the
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party political system, and the Westminster parlimentary system. Show Less
LibraryThing member charlie68
An accurate, engrossing of the tumultuous times of the 1600s.
Language
Original publication date
2014
Physical description
502 p.; 6.34 inches
ISBN
1250003636 / 9781250003638