The Restoration: A Political and Religious History of England and Wales, 1658-1667 (Clarendon Paperbacks) [Paperback]

Ronald Hutton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 8, 1993 | Series: Clarendon Paperbacks

The years 1658-1667 form one of the most vital and eventful periods in English history, witnessing the Plague, the Great Fire of London, the naval wars against the Dutch, and, above all, the transformation of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth into the Restoration monarchy of Charles II. Hutton's detailed study of the period returns to nearly all the extant manuscript sources and reworks every issue afresh. The result is an absorbing and perceptive account of national experience as government policy changed, influenced by the interaction of central concerns, local perspectives, and the various social, political, and religious groups.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Ronald Hutton presents a narrative which reveals the stark political and religious realities of the age, researched in great depth and accompanied by thoughtful and provoking analysis."-- History Teaching Review

"A splendidly robust review of a complicated period. Attractive for students, because it offers them both a clear outline of events and a stimulating view of changing historical interpretations. A difficult art and a considerable achievement."--A.D.M. Pettegree, St. Andrews

"This unabridged edition will certainly be both stimulating and informative for its intended audience. This study is strongly recommended."--J.R. Jones, University of East Anglia, History & Archaeology Review

"A masterly survey of the complex nature of the Restoration settlements and of events to 1667, which is both narrative and an outline for further research...any students studying the Restoration for an "A" level special subject would find the book of enormous value."--Christopher W. Daniels, Teaching History

"Hutton's account of the complicated events leading to the Restoration is the best we have."--Observer

About the Author

Ronald Hutton is at University of Bristol.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 8, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198203926
• ISBN-13: 978-0198203926
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,710,597 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Understanding the Restoration : 1658 to 1667, February 16, 2007

By 

J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Restoration: A Political and Religious History of England and Wales 1658-1667 (Hardcover)

While this book will be of primary interest to studying Stuart history, it has plenty to offer those who read fiction set in this period as well as those of us interested in the making of goverment policy.

This book starts with the death of Oliver Cromwell in September 1658 and the consequent fall of the Protectorate in July 1659.

The Restoration of the Stuart monarchy (effective from 29 May 1660) was eventful in and of itself. The return of Charles II to the throne of England and Scotland was part of an eventful period in English history which also saw naval wars, plague, religious persecution, and the Great Fire of London.

While outside the scope of this book, men like Isaac Newton, Robert Hooke and Christopher Wren also lived during this period and made many significant contributions to science, mathematics and architecture.

My only criticism of this book is that a simple chronology would make it easier for a less academic reader to make sense of the events described.

Recommended to those who seek to understand the period between the reigns of Charles I and II and its impact on England and Scotland.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith