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The Restless Republic

Britain without a Crown
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( 1,575 ratings, 197 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Restless Republic by Anna Keay delves into the tumultuous period of the 1650s in England when the country was governed without a monarchy. It explores the lives and challenges faced by various figures across the nation as they navigate the political upheaval and changes following the execution of Charles I. The book provides a vivid portrait of a nation grappling with new governance and emerging societal norms.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are captivated by the unique events and tumultuous changes of 17th-century Britain, focusing on a republican experiment that reshaped the nation. With vivid storytelling, it offers a fascinating exploration of individuals who influenced a pivotal moment in history, blending personal stories with broader historical impacts.

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THE SUNDAY TIMES HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 WINNER OF THE POL ROGER DUFF COOPER PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE

Eleven years when Britain had no king.

Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2022

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

1649. King Charles I had been executed. A quarter of a million had died in the Second English Civil War. Two hundred great houses stood in ruins, with hundreds of villages and towns left battered and broken. The monarchy, the House of Lords, and the Church of England were all abruptly abolished. What next?

This is the story of 1649 to 1660, the eleven years when England, Wales, and later Scotland and Ireland were governed as a republic.

In the midst of unprecedented tumult, what was life like for the people of England – both the winners and the losers? Historian Anna Keay explores the decade through the lives of nine people, from Oliver Cromwell, upon whose personality the entire fate of England seemed to hinge, through to the likes of John Bradshaw, a relatively minor Cheshire lawyer who was appointed to try the King – largely because all the more senior judges refused the task. He would become the only Englishman ever to hand down a sentence of death upon his sovereign.

Telling a rich and vivid history in matching style, The Restless Republic is a brilliant new take on the most extraordinary decade in English history, and what happened when a conservative people tried revolution.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Restless Republic by Anna Keay has received high praise for its vibrant narrative and in-depth exploration of a transformative epoch in British history. Critics commend Keay's ability to bring the era vividly to life with well-drawn character studies and historical insights, highlighting her skill in making complex historical events both accessible and engaging. The book is celebrated as a remarkable achievement that offers fresh perspectives on the Commonwealth period, marked by its colourful storytelling and meticulous research.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008282028

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 03 March 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: William Collins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 41.0mm

Width: 159.0mm

Height: 240.0mm

Weight: 780g

Pages: 496

About the Author

Born in the West Highlands of Scotland, Anna was educated at Oban High School in Argyll and Bedales in Hampshire. She read history at Magdalen College, Oxford and took her PhD at the University of London. From 1996 to 2002 Anna worked as a curator for Historic Royal Palaces, which looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and the Banqueting House in Whitehall. From 2002 until 2012 she was Properties Presentation Director of English Heritage, responsible for curating and presenting to the public 420 historic sites across England, from Stonehenge to Kenwood House. She is now Director of The Landmark Trust.

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