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The English Civil War: Papists, Gentlewomen, Soldiers, and Witchfinders in the Birth of Modern Britain Paperback – December 4, 2007

by Diane Purkiss (Author)

18 customer reviews

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In this compelling history of the violent struggle between the monarchy and Parliament that tore apart seventeenth-century England, a rising star among British historians sheds new light on the people who fought and died through those tumultuous years. Drawing on exciting new sources, including letters, memoirs, ballads, plays, illustrations, and even cookbooks, Diane Purkiss creates a rich and nuanced portrait of this turbulent era. The English Civil War's dramatic consequences-rejecting the divine right monarchy in favor of parliamentary rule-continue to influence our lives, and in this colorful narrative, Purkiss vividly brings to life the history that changed the course of Western government.

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Diane Purkiss is a Fellow and Tutor at Keble College, Oxford. She is the author of the highly acclaimed The Witch in History and At the Bottom of the Garden. She holds a B.A. from the University of Queensland, and a Ph.D. from Merton College, Oxford. She lives in Oxford, England.

Paperback: 680 pages
Publisher: Basic Books; Reprint edition (December 4, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780465067572
ISBN-13: 978-0465067572
ASIN: 0465067573
Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 1.9 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 18 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,462,106 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3500 in Books > History > Europe > Great Britain > England
- #4616 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > International & World Politics > European
- #10069 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Political Science > History & Theory

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Maine Reader

History should be written like this....

October 15, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I am still reading Purkiss' history of The English Civil War: A People's History and I'm enjoying it immensely. It provides such a strong sense of time and place. I really enjoy the historical references to every day life. It places you right in the middle of those uncertain times and it isn't just history anymore but moves time forward so that you experience it as if you are there. This is highly readable history that stays with you. Forget about memorizing the names of kings and revolutionaries and battles as history is usually written; instead experience it through the lives of those who were there living regular lives and it will be more meaningful.

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RichH

it does give you a very good feel for what was happening in the war and ...

May 31, 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Not your typical history. It is told as a series of vignettes based on letters and documents. Not much information about the battles. But, it does give you a very good feel for what was happening in the war and how affected people and places. Interesting read.

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G. Rhabyt

Bottom-up History at its Best

January 9, 2012

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

There are several visions of what history is. Some see it as the result of the ideas, decisions, and actions of great men -- a top-down vision. Others see it as the result of the beliefs and actions of people in all walks of life. When you see the religious passion or political views of an average merchant's wife or minor soldier as well as those of the kings and archbishops, you see the people of all classes and sects as crucial actors. That is where this book excels. One could argue that this approach works best for times of social upheaval and not for the machinations of the Concert of Europe, but the English Civil War is the defining revolution of modern times, so the bottom up approach is crucial. Ultimately I'm not so interested in the tit for tat of battles or minor turns of political fortune, I want to understand how large segments of society came to change their minds about fundamental issues like the nature of monarchy, the limits of democracy, God's expectations for human action. I want social, cultural, and political history all together and this book delivers.

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In depth history, with a focus on the people involved

October 2, 2006

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

If you want a history of the battles of the English Civil War, this is not the book for you. If you are interested in the human side of this horrific period, then this is a book for you. While the battles are mentioned, they are placed in a much broader context.

This is a history of the English Civil War, told to a considerable extent through the words of observers and participants. Letters and diaries of people such as Brilliana Harley; tracts by Garrard Winstanley (a leading Digger); the debate at Putney, between leaders and Levellers add a very human element to this history.

The befuddled King Charles I and his strong-willed Queen, Henrietta Maria, are portrayed in enough depth that the reader can come to understand how they sealed their fates by being unable to recognize a changing reality.

The book takes into account religious disputes, political currents, and military developments.

For any reader interested in this critical moment in English history, this is a book well worth purchasing and reading.

18 people found this helpful

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Lee Wheatley

History told from letters and diaries

May 28, 2013

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Great approach to the telling of an eventful epoch in history. Purkiss presents the important events of the era through the observations of people affected by the times. Just what I was looking for.

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Jack Hunt

but for a history buff a great read.

July 16, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Fascinating read, not the usual dry treatments about this period of history. Took 500 pages before Charles is removed from his head, but for a history buff a great read.

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November 12, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Great book for my classroom!

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Richard W. Hoover Sr.

Fine Book

August 7, 2006

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Although I have read only the first 100 pages, must take strong exception to Mr. Drost's disparaging review. Purkiss has not written what Mr. D. was apparently looking for-- a survey of the English Civil War. I'm not sure if we need another. Rather, Purkiss focuses on the cultural and religious bents of the main and of minor players, working in quirks/deformities inherited from childhood. I mean, for example: (A) the overly rigid personality of Charles I (formed from physical and psychological handicaps and from the good bullying he recv'd from his older brother);(B) the Catholicising, aesthetic and good-time drives of Henrietta Maria (what else from the daughter of Marie di Medici and Henry IV?) and (C) the reforming zeal of Arch Bishop Laud who, while no friend of Rome, feared that England's best and brightest would swim the Tiber were he not to reintroduce, and quickly, some Baroque Pizaz into the Church of England and be seen to curb the Scottish and English parties of the "godly."

(A) plus (B) plus (C) plus (D) (the dour, hard-headed and touchy qualities of the "godly," presented in fascinating detail)-- all made for a pretty explosive 17th century mixture! I am starting to feel repeat feel how it all happened. I don't think brain-frying surveys of the English Civil War lay this out half as well as Purkiss has done in her first 100 pages. When I finish, shall report back in case my views have changed. For now, I judge that this is a wonderful book, from cover to cover, starting with the splendid introduction to the 'gentle reader,' lovingly (and cleverly) crafted by Purkiss in the style of her time!

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