Politics under the Later Stuarts: Party Conflict in a Divided Society 1660-1715

I am currently a student at Brown University, and in fact taking a class taught by the author himself, Tim Harris. The book is very thorough, covering every aspect of what used to be a period with very little literature. Of course, the writing is at times erudite, but Harris does a fine job of summarizing and dividing his chapters into appropriate sections. I highly recommend this book for anyone doing research on the time period; however, if you are looking for a relaxing read, try something a little lighter.

Harris, arguably the best young historian of the early modern period, has produced what by all accounts must be considered a gem. Drawing from a wide evidentiary base, he delves into the complexities of the court and country division, exclusion, the emergence of party, the Glorious Revolution and life under William and Anne before concluding his work with a comprehensive discussion of Jacobitism. A model of outstanding historical scholarship, this book is an absolute must for anyone even remotely interested in this period of British history.