It’s an engaging book, which is to be expected from a veteran writer such as Professor Hutton. From my American perspective I found it accessible and even engaging, if not slightly confusing (that might be on me). He’s a master of his craft and I enjoyed his explorations outside of the realm of witches.

This book is the second of a trilogy on Cromwell. It covers the period from the end of the Civil War in 1646 to Cromwell’s coup against the Rump Parliament of 1653.

It is a very interesting read, both scholarly and well researched but never dry.

The factors that stick in my mind are Cromwell’s attachment to the Army through this preiod and also his ruthlessness. This is particularly evident in the Irish campaign which was very savage compared with the battles fought in England.

I look forward to reading the final instalment when it is published.

This superb study of Oliver Cromwell tells us of both his good and bad points. He was brutal, lucky, Godly but tactical and disciplined. Cromwell was aware of the value of good publicity and was promoted as "The greatest national champion of reform". Politically 'slippery' we still owe him many of the things we take for granted today .
This terrific book stands out not only for the academic but anyone interested in this tumultuous period of British history. Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

This book is one of a series of books about the English Civil War, and it is excellent. But this well written tome is only for serious history buffs. It goes into far too much detail for the general reader.

As usualo with a Ron Hutton book, this was well researched and well written. He is a vivid, descriptive writer who writes in a manner that the lay person can follow and enjoy. Nothing dry and overly scholarly, yet full of interesting and engrossing facts.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, I read a free, advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

Engaging, well written and excellently research. Ronald Hutton does not get the acclaim he deserves as a historian Cromwell lead a peoples revolution that like the French revolution only resulted in the oppression of the people. Power corrupts and having chopped the kings head off he later seriously considered crowning himself. Cromwell that is no Ron!

This was a great second entry in this biography of Oliver Cromwell. I had never heard of the man before this and learned a lot in these two entries. Ronald Hutton was able to create a unique story and thought the research was there and enjoyed what I read.

This book is a brilliant scholarly work. For me, as a layperson, it’s too detailed and didn’t hold my interest. I’m not the target audience.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.