Two centuries of dramatic change are covered by this exciting and richly illustrated new work. Eighteen leading scholars explore the political, social, religious, and cultural history of the period when monarchs based in south east England strove to extend their authority over the whole of the British Isles. The 280 illustrations including 45 colour pictures and 6 maps form an essential part of the book, complementing all aspects of the text.

First published as part of the best-selling The Oxford Illustrated History of Britain, John Morrill's Very Short Introduction to Stuart Britain sets the Revolution into its political, religious, social, economic, intellectual, and cultural contexts. It thus seeks to integrate what most other surveys pull apart. It gives a graphic account of the effects of a century-long period during which population was growing inexorably and faster than both the food supply and the employment market. It looks at the failed attempts of successive governments to make all those under their authority obedient members of a unified national church; it looks at how Charles I blundered into a civil war which then took on a terrifying momentum of its own. The result was his trial and execution, the abolition of the monarchy, the house of lords, the bishops, the prayer book and the celebration of Christmas. As a result everything else that people took for granted came up for challenge, and this book shows how painfully and with what difficulty order and obedience was restored. Vividly illustrated and full of startling detail, this is an ideal introduction to those interested in getting into the period, and also contains much to challenge and stimulate those who already feel at home in Stuart England. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Examines political, economic, social, and culture changes in Great Britain from Roman times to the present.

First published as part of the best-selling The Oxford Illustrated History of Britain, John Guy's Very Short Introduction to The Tudors is the most authoritative short introduction to this age in British history. It offers a compelling account of the political, religious and economic changes of the country under such leading monarchs as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The work has been substantially revised and updated for this edition. In particular, the reigns of Henry VII, Edward VI, and Philip and Mary are comprehensively reassessed.

A short history of life in the 16th and 17th centuries under the Tudor and Stuart monarchs. This fascinating book covers all the important events that changed the course of history, including Henry VIII's divorce and establishment of the Church of England, the colonisation of America and the Civil War between Roundheads and Cavaliers. Over 100 colourful illustrations, many from contemporary paintings, take you on a voyage of discovery, from the daily lives of ordinary people to Sir Francis Drake's adventures on the high seas.

The history of the British Isles is the story of four peoples linked together by a process of state building that was as much about far-sighted planning and vision as coincidence, accident and failure. It is a history of revolts and reversal, familial bonds and enmity, the study of which does much to explain the underlying tension between the nations of modern day Britain. The Making of the British Islesrecounts the development of the nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland from the time of the Anglo-French dual monarchy under Henry VI through the Wars of the Roses, the Reformation crisis, the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, the Anglo-Scottish dynastic union, the British multiple monarchy and the Cromwellian Republic, ending with the acts of British Union and the Restoration of the Monarchy.

From the arrival of the Roman legions to the present day, this superbly illustrated volume tells the enthralling story of Britain and her people over two thousand years. 200+ b & w illustrations. of color plates.

In over 4,500 entries, this Companion covers all aspects of the history of Britain from 55 BC to the present day. Completely revised and updated, this is the go-to reference work for students and teachers of British history, as well as for anyone with an interest in the subject.

Tudor Government looks at English government across all the Tudor reigns, including those of Henry VIII, Mary and Elizabeth, and explores such themes as: the role of parliament law and order the government of the church the personal role of the monarch.