Oliver Cromwell

For all the countless studies that have been published about him, Oliver Cromwell remains a deeply puzzling and controversial figure. Many historical problems connected with his political career still await satisfactory explanation. In this book, an important addition to a series of growing impact, Barry Coward suggests answers to a number of these problems, using the wealth of fresh interpretations of seventeenth-century British history that have appeared in recent years. Taking a clear chronological approach, Barry Coward confronts head-on the intriguing puzzle of why and how the Cromwell of 1640, an obscure middle-aged man lacking in military and political experience, rapidly acquired the reputation of a soldier of genius, and could, within thirteen years, rise to become ruler of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.^ Dr Coward is particularly interested in the apparent contradictions of Cromwell's character and career: what was it that caused him to act at times with such agonising indecisiveness, and on other occasions to take such awesome risks, apparently in complete disregard of his own political future and personal safety? Cromwell's motives and actions have been clouded s