Rebellion: The History of England from James I to the Glorious Revolution

The Stuarts of England enjoyed only a short reign of eighty-five years; but what a tumultuous set of years they were! From James I of England (VI of Scotland), to his son Charles I, who was beheaded, to the interim reign of Oliver Cromwell, to the return to the monarchy with the reinstatement of Charles II, through to the reign of the last Stuart, James II, which ended with his flight to France and the ascension of William of Orange, those years were packed with turbulence — war, political upheaval, religious persecution. Author Peter Ackroyd brings this era to life in his excellent book, Rebellion.

Each king’s reign is deliciously delineated, with a profusion of interesting detail about court intrigues, foreign policy, cultural advancements, King and Parliament, and the experiences of the common folk as well. Written with wry, understated humor, and a balanced view of the conflicts and players, this book gives readers an extensive and thoroughly entertaining sense of life in the era, as well as a complete grounding in the political history, carefully explained. Peter Ackroyd is an exceptional storyteller, whose love and obvious mastery of his subject make reading Rebellion an absolute delight.