Jonathan Healey Boeken

'This is a wonderful book, exhaustively researched, vigorously argued and teeming with the furious joy of seventeenth-century life' THE TIMES'A brilliant, bloody account of England's most dramatic century . . . Thrilling' TELEGRAPH'The most entertaining general history of seventeenth-century England I have read' TOM HOLLANDThe seventeenth century began as the English found themselves ruled by a Scotsman, and ended in the shadow of a Dutch invasion. Midway through, society collapsed into a civil war, followed by army coup and regicide. For a short time - for the only time in history - England was a republic. In coffee shops and alehouses, ordinary people fizzed with ideas that were angry, populist and almost impossible to control.Despite these radical changes, few today fully understand the story of this revolutionary age. Leaders like Oliver Cromwell, Charles II and William of Orange have been reduced to caricatures, while major turning points like the Civil War and the Glorious Revolution are shrouded in myth. Yet, as Jonathan Healey argues, the period has never been more relevant. From raw politics to religious divisions, civil wars to witch trials, plague to press freedoms, The Blazing World tells the story of this strange but fascinating century in exuberant, panoramic detail.

The first major regional study of poverty and its relief in the seventeenth century: the first century of welfare.

Set against the backdrop of seventeenth-century England, this engaging history explores a transformative period marked by revolution and societal upheaval. It delves into the era's radical ideas and the emergence of a democratic commonwealth, capturing a moment when the foundations of the modern world were being laid. Praised for its readability and informative content, the book offers a vivid portrayal of a time when change was palpable and the future seemed full of possibilities.

"A fresh, exciting history of seventeenth-century England, a time of revolution when society was on fire and simultaneously forging the modern world. The seventeenth century was a revolutionary age for the English. It started as they suddenly found themselves ruled by a Scotsman, and it ended in the shadow of an invasion by the Dutch. Under James I, England suffered terrorism and witch panics. Under his son Charles, state and society collapsed into civil war, to be followed by an army coup and regicide. For a short time--for the only time in history--England was a republic. There were bitter struggles over faith and Parliament asserted itself like never before. There were no boundaries to politics. In fiery, plague-ridden London, in coffee shops and alehouses, new ideas were forged that were angry, populist, and almost impossible for monarchs to control. But the story of this century is less well known than it should be. Myths have grown around key figures. People may know about the Gunpowder Plot and the Great Fire of London, but the Civil War is a half-remembered mystery to many. And yet the seventeenth century has never seemed more relevant. The British constitution is once again being bent and contorted, and there is a clash of ideologies reminiscent of when Roundhead fought Cavalier"-- Provided by publisher

An essential guide to exploring the best wines from southern France, with wine tours of both the most popular and lesser-known regions, and details of top producers and local tourist attractions. There is expert advice on how to choose the top wines and transport them home safely, and useful tips on local culture, eating out, where to stay, and the best ways of traveling around.

Set against the backdrop of 1641 England, the narrative explores the tension between King Charles I's desire for absolute power and the burgeoning political awakening among the populace. As revolutionary ideas take root and Ireland erupts in revolt, Charles's decision to confront Parliament ignites a series of events leading to civil war. Jonathan Healey's meticulous research captures the societal turmoil and the radical movements of the time, painting a vivid picture of a nation on the brink of transformation amidst chaos and conflict.