Oliver Cromwell

by Bennett; Martyn

• ISBN13: 9780415319218
• ISBN10: 0415319218
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-07-07
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

In this concise and accessible new biography, Martyn Bennett examines the life of Oliver Cromwell - one of the most controversial figures in world history. This study challenges long-held perceptions of Cromwell and the Commonwealth, arguing that they need to be placed at the core of early Modern British and Irish history.Charting his early career, the origins of his political and religious thought and the development of his notions of governance that influenced him as Lord Protector, Martyn Bennett contests the post-Restoration vilification of Cromwell to examine how his influence has shaped notions of citizenship, identity and governance and informed the relationship between religion and the state in Britain.This radical new interpretation will give students a clearer view of the motivations and achievements of a fascinating and pivotal figure in British history.

Table of Contents

LIST OF PLATES	VIII
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS	IX
CHRONOLOGY	X
1 By birth a gentleman..., 1599-1617	1	(14)
2 A chief of sinners, 1617-1637	15	(18)
3 ...A gentleman...very ordinarily apparelled, 1638-1641	33	(16)
4 My estate is little..., 1641-1643	49	(24)
5 The great agent in this victory, 1644-1645	73	(32)
6 He did not openly profess what opinion he was of himself, 1645-1647	105	(27)
7 I never in all my life saw more deep sense, 1647-1649	132	(28)
8 Everyone must stand or fall by his own conscience, 1649-1651	160	(35)
9 Oh, would I the wings like a dove, 1651-1654	195	(31)
10 A good constable to keep the peace, 1654-1658	226	(35)
Conclusion: my design is to make what haste I can to be gone	261	(12)
NOTES	273	(8)
FURTHER READING	281	(6)
INDEX	287