Cavaliers and Roundheads : English at War, 1642-49

From about 1642 to 1649 there was a terrible Civil War in England. Over 200,000 people lost their lives either from battles, civilians being harmed by soldiers foraging for food and supplies and gold, or from sickness such as the plague. Eventually King Charles The First was beheaded. England became a "Republic" with power of the purse strings in The House of Commons that was comprised of elected representatives of the English People. The Divine Right of kings to do as they pleased came to and end in England. Thus, this was a big step forward in giving freedom and human rights to common people. I suppose the government of The USA benefited from the example. However, the "human rights of the people" were bought at a terrible price in lost lives and human misery in England. It's too bad there couldn't have been a less bloody and painful way to accomplish the same end. The book itself is very well written. You will enjoy "the story". Recommended. Afterthought: The Roundheads were mostly "Protestants" and the "Royals" were mostly Catholic---both nominal "Christians". Christianity teaches what?......"love your enemy" and "thou shalt not kill"...so were ANY of the participants "true Christians"? I think not! Email [email protected]

A master storyteller for a wonderful story! Christopher Hibbert is perhaps the most renowned British historian in this day and age, and this book is no exception to his mastery. The storyline of the English civil war lets the reader view both sides subjectively...sometimes becoming disgusted or enamored with both. This is an A+ book, and a great amount of fun to read.