Oliver Cromwell: And the Rule of the Puritans in England

Oliver Cromwell: And the Rule of the Puritans in England

Oliver Cromwell was both a soldier and a statesman who made his mark in 17th-century England. This book is a comprehensive study of his life and his rule over Puritan England, becoming Lord Protector after a bloody civil war. As a soldier, his victories were due in large part to his natural military genius. He had the power to influence masses of men, a trait that Napoleon would later possess. Cromwell made an army of which it was said, “Victory seemed entailed—an army whose order and discipline, whose sobriety and manners, whose courage and success, made it famous and terrible over the world.”. His victories at home and abroad helped to raise England’s rank to that of a principal European power. Cromwell demonstrated political acumen by deposing a monarch and becoming the leader of a nation through a military coup. He reformed many unjust laws, promoted education, permitted increased religious toleration, and developed a constructive domestic policy. A religious man, he proclaimed that all his victories were due to Divine Providence. Mr. Firth has taken infinite pains with this literary portrait, and readers will follow his narrative with great and growing interest. The biography is candid, yet discriminating, and gives an accurate view of Cromwell's work and character. The book has become a classic for general readers and students of Cromwell. While it has been reprinted many times, this particular edition has been carefully re-formatted in easy-to-read Garamond 21-poing type, with additional footnotes. Bound in an attractive hard cover, it will be a handsome addition to any library.