John Adamson provides a new synthesis of current research on the political crisis that engulfed England in the 1640s. Drawing on new archival findings and challenging current orthodoxies, these essays by leading historians offer a variety of original perspectives, locating English events firmly within a 'three kingdoms' context.

Abbreviations.- Introduction High Roads and Blind Alleys: The English Civil War and its Historiography; J.Adamson.- Rethinking Royalist Politics, 1642-49; D.Scott.- Anglicanism and Royalism in the 1640s; A.Milton.- Perceptions of Parliament: Faction and 'The Public'; J.Peacey.- The Baronial Context of the Irish Civil Wars; J.Ohlmeyer.- The 'Scottish Moment', 1638-45; A.I.MacInnes.- Centre and Locality in Civil War England; C.Holmes.- The Politics of Fairfax's Army, 1645-49; I.Gentles.- Rhetoric, Reality, and the Varieties of Civil War Radicalism; P.Baker.- Notes.- Further Reading.- Notes on the Contributors.- Index.

'Part of Palgrave Macmillans's excellent "Problems in Focus" series, The English Civil War, edited by John Adamson, is a fascinating collection of essays by leading scholars which now represents the best overview available of current thinking on the topic.' - Paul Lay, History Today 'John Adamson's collection brings together work by an impressive array of contributors, both established leaders in the field and rising stars...It is a fine collection, building on important scholarly work which will have an impact on our understanding of the period.' - Michael Braddick, Times Literary Supplement '...an impressive collection...This is a hugely significant volume, one that invites a major reconceptualization of the field and which will be essential reading for anyone interested in the English Civil War.' -Tim Harris, Brown University, The European Legacy

A new edited collection of critical essays, by leading historians in the field, which synthesizes recent research on the subject
Draws on new archival findings and challenges current orthodoxies, offering a distinctly original variety of perspectives
Locates English events firmly within a broader 'three kingdoms' context
John Adamson is a prizewinning author