The Death of Oliver Cromwell [Hardcover]

H.F. McMains (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 23, 1999

For centuries, rumors have circulated in England that Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell did not die of natural causes. Now, in a fascinating book that reads like a historical whodunit, we have a motive, a means, a murderer (complete with his own deathbed confession), and a supporting cast that includes John Milton and Andrew Marvell. Almost from the moment of Cromwell's death in 1658, some writers and biographers dismissed suspicions of foul play. In a wide-ranging investigation that draws upon the fields of history, toxicology, medical forensics, and literature, H.F. McMains offers a fresh reading of evidence that has sat quietly in libraries and archives for more than two centuries. He examines the development of Cromwell's illness in 1658, analyzes his symptoms, and evaluates persons with motive, method, and opportunity to do him harm. The result is a reassessment of Cromwell's relationship with the English people and their government and a convincing investigation of his mysterious death.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The 1658 death of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England under the Commonwealth government, opened the door to a rapid restoration of the monarchy. Cromwell had been ill for years, and even his staunchest Puritan supporters saw no evidence of foul play. Still, through the centuries occasional voices have hinted at a dark conspiracy surrounding his death. McMains, an independent scholar, may well lend a veneer of respectability to these conspiracy theories. He demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the period, and he marshals a formidable array of details to support his assertions. However, he transparently ignores or dismisses the preponderence of evidence that points away from his conclusions, and he consistently elevates suspicions to the level of fact. With his sharp, fast-moving prose, McMains often is entertaining and provocative, but he will not convince many serious scholars that Cromwell was done in. Jay Freeman

Review

"With his sharp, fast-moving prose, McMains often is entertaining and provocative.... [and] may well lend a veneer of respectability to these conspiracy theories. He demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the period, and he marshals a formidable array of details to support his assertions." -- Booklist

"HistoryMcMains builds a powerful if circumstantial case for death by poisoning.... A fascinating historical whodunit that is exceedingly well told." -- Choice

"McMains puts forth here an audacious theory -- and argues for it strongly with evidence drawn from an impressive array of seventeenth-century sources.... A fascinating study." -- Dale B.J. Randall

"Engagingly explores questions that have never been conclusively answered.... For anyone interested in Cromwell or the Restoration, this book is a must-read." -- Historically Speaking

"An absorbing book, engagingly written.... There is plenty in the book to command the attention of the professional historian, as well as the general reader." -- H-Net Reviews

"Before this book one could say that Cromwell may have been poisoned or died of other causes. Now one can say, based on the evidence here, that Cromwell was likely poisoned and who the poisoner and his accomplices likely were." -- Martin J. Havran

"Takes the readers through the variety of illnesses afflicting seventeenth century persons, the toxicology of various potions and a careful examination of manuscript sources, each of which points to the probability that Cromwell died of poisoning.... Fascinating and informative." -- Seventeenth-Century News

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky (September 23, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813121337
• ISBN-13: 978-0813121338
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,332,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A powerful, albeit circumstantial, case, January 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Death of Oliver Cromwell (Hardcover)

I disagree with Jay Freeman's assessment of this book. The author meticulously reconstructs Cromwell's last days and reveals the royalist Dr. Bate's account as a tissue of lies and misrepresentations. While the verdict might well be a Scotch one (that is, "not proven"), McMains makes a strong if not absolutely convincing case for poisoning.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good read, recommended, February 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Death of Oliver Cromwell (Hardcover)

While it is true that the case might not hold up in court, I found this an interesting read and would recommend it to anyone interested in cromwell.