Civil War

Civil War by Peter Ackroyd is a masterful continuation of his stunning exploration of England's history. This volume begins with the ascension of James VI of Scotland to the English throne as James I, following the death of Elizabeth I. It traces the tumultuous and riveting history of England under the Stuart dynasty, concluding with the dramatic deposition and subsequent exile of James II. The book meticulously charts the complex and often brutal events that characterised the Stuart era, focusing on the political and social upheavals that forever changed the realm.

The unification of England and Scotland under the Stuarts brought about significant political ramifications, despite the continued divisions that echoed through the ages. Ackroyd delves deeply into the key figures of this period, presenting a vivid and intricate portrait of the first Stuart king, James I. With his shrewd and opinionated nature, James I was an eloquent commentator on diverse matters, ranging from theology and witchcraft to the abuses of tobacco. However, his contentious relationship with the English Parliament laid the groundwork for the division that would erupt during the reign of his son, Charles I.

Ackroyd's narrative introduces readers to the various personalities and events that defined the Stuart era, including the intense and cruel civil war that led to the unprecedented execution of a reigning monarch. The portrayal of Oliver Cromwell, Parliament's formidable military leader and England's sole dictator, is particularly striking. Ackroyd paints a complex picture of Cromwell, who began as a political liberator and ended as a despotic figure, mirroring the tyrant he helped overthrow.

The seventeenth century was a period of remarkable cultural and social development, vividly brought to life by Ackroyd's engaging prose. The era's rich literary landscape featured the later works of Shakespeare, the profound tragedies of the Jacobean theatre, the passionate poetry of John Donne and Milton, and the incisive philosophical musings of Thomas Hobbes in his treatise, Leviathan. Civil War offers a visceral sense of the daily lives of ordinary English men and women as they navigated the relentless disruptions and uncertainties of their time.

PRAISE FOR THE HISTORY OF ENGLAND SERIES:

"Ackroyd's trademark insight and wit, and the glorious interconnectedness of all things, permeate each page" - Observer

"Ackroyd writes with such lightly worn erudition and a deceptive ease that he never fails to engage" - Daily Telegraph

"In pages of limpid detail, Ackroyd makes history accessible to the layman" - Ian Thomson, Independent