The Blazing World

The Blazing World by Dr Jonathan Healey offers a captivating exploration of seventeenth-century England, a period marked by tremendous upheaval and transformation. This spellbinding historical account immerses readers in an era where political change, social tumult, and radical ideas shaped the nation's destiny. Starting with the country under the rule of a Scotsman and concluding with the looming threat of a Dutch invasion, this century witnessed England's first and only experiment with republicanism following a devastating civil war and the shocking execution of a king. The book illuminates key historical figures such as Oliver Cromwell, whose leadership during and after the civil war remains contentious; Charles II, whose restoration to the throne brought a complex mix of relief and conflict; and William of Orange, whose arrival heralded the end of an era. Healey breathes life into these characters, moving beyond their caricatured portrayals to present a nuanced understanding of their influence and the pivotal moments they navigated. In the alehouses and coffee shops of the time, ordinary citizens buzzed with revolutionary ideas and fervent discussions, contributing to a vibrant public sphere that was nearly impossible to regulate. From the poignant dramas of the Civil War to the strategic manoeuvres of the Glorious Revolution, this work scrutinizes the myths and realities of the century's many turning points. Healey's scholarly yet spirited narrative encompasses a wide array of topics: the raw, often brutal politics of the time, deeply entrenched religious divisions, the terror of witch trials, the desolation caused by the plague, and the budding freedoms of the press. These diverse threads are woven into an exuberant panorama that brings the seventeenth century to vivid life. As praised by THE TIMES, this book is "exhaustively researched, vigorously argued and teeming with the furious joy of seventeenth-century life." The TELEGRAPH hails it as "a brilliant, bloody account of England's most dramatic century . . . Thrilling," while historian Tom Holland calls it "the most entertaining general history of seventeenth-century England I have read." The Blazing World is a masterful work that not only educates but also entertains, making the intricacies of this revolutionary age accessible to all readers. Dr Jonathan Healey's narrative skill and profound insights render this history both urgent and engaging, demonstrating how the events of the seventeenth century continue to resonate in our contemporary world.