Oliver Cromwell

Martyn Bennett

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2006
• Print ISBN: 9780415319225
• eBook ISBN: 9781134364947
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: British History
• Index: History

In this concise and accessible 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 interpretation will give students a clearer view of the motivations and achievements of a fascinating and pivotal figure in British history.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• List of Plates
• Acknowledgements
• Chronology
• 1: By Birth a Gentleman… 1599–1617
• 2: A Chief of Sinners 1617–1637
• 3: … A Gentleman … Very Ordinarily Apparelled 1638–1641
• 4: My Estate is Little … 1641–1643
• 5: The Great Agent in this Victory 1644–1645
• 6: He Did Not Openly Profess what Opinion He was of Himself 1645–1647
• 7: I Never in All My Life Saw More Deep Sense 1647–1649
• 8: Everyone must Stand or Fall by His Own Conscience 1649–1651
• 9: Oh, Would I the Wings Like a Dove 1651–1654
• 10: A Good Constable to Keep the Peace 1654–1658
• Conclusion
• Notes
• Further Reading