Product Description

In this concise and accessible new biography, Martyn Bennett presents a radical new interpretation and examines the life of Oliver Cromwell – one of the most controversial figures in world history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #676107 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 324 pages

Review

"Martyn Bennett has written a short biography of Oliver Cromwell, which takes into account the most recent research...he shows a genuine empathy for his subject." Professor Charles Carlton, North Carolina State University

"Martyn Bennett has written a short biography of Oliver Cromwell, which takes into account the most recent research...he shows a genuine empathy for his subject." Professor Charles Carlton, North Carolina State University, USA

From the Back Cover

In this concise and accessible new biography, Martyn Bennett examines the life of Oliver Cromwell – one of the most controversial figures in world history. Elected to Parliament in 1640 Cromwell played a major role in challenging the excessive powers of Charles I. As Lieutenant General, his military campaigns were crucial to victory during the Civil War and he was instrumental in the trial and execution of the King. As Lord Protector of the Commonwealth he remains the only non-royal head of state in British history. His rule was characterised by unprecedented religious freedoms and is seen as laying the foundations for the modern British constitution. However, Cromwell’s legacy in Ireland and Scotland has greatly troubled his reputation. Furthermore, Cromwell’s government is often viewed as an anomaly – a temporary hiatus before the re-establishment of the monarchy.

Martyn Bennett challenges these long-held perceptions of Cromwell and the Commonwealth, arguing that in his role as ‘God’s Constable’, he needs 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.

About the Author
Martyn Bennett is Reader in History and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the College of Communications, Culture and Education at Nottingham Trent University.  His publications include The English Civil War: A Historical Companion (2004), The Civil Wars Experienced (2000) and The Civil Wars of Britain and Ireland, 1637-1651 (1997).

Customer Reviews

Poorly edited, limited insight, dull
Awful book - really quite a dreadful presentation of ideas. The author is an academic, and I expected better. Cromwell is a hugely interesting subject, yet I knew little more about the man when I had finished reading the book. The main theme centred on Cromwell's consistency, but I expect more in a biography. I wanted to know more about the personalities, the thinking, the motivations in Cromwell's life, and this was presented weakly, if at all.

Mostly, I found the book almost impossible to read because the writing is so poor. The prose was clumsy and leaden ("The association was expected to be universal for no one who was not associated would receive protection".), and the editing non-existent, with frequent errors.

I'm really cross that I paid £15 for this book. In fact, Routledge should be ashamed of the quality just as much as the author.