Why read The Restless Republic?

Book cover of The Restless Republic: Britain without a Crown

Book description

THE SUNDAY TIMES HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 WINNER OF THE POL ROGER DUFF COOPER PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE

Eleven years when Britain had no king.

In 1649 Britain was engulfed by revolution.

On a raw January afternoon, the Stuart king, Charles…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Restless Republic as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Bernard Capp

Author

Britain’s experiment with republicanism lasted only eleven years (1649-60). Keay explores it through the eyes of a dozen very different characters, from Oliver Cromwell to a cynical journalist, a countess, a country squire, a low-born visionary, and so on.

In each case she gives us a sympathetic insight into the person’s mindset and life, set against the backcloth of public events across England, Scotland, and Ireland. I have been studying this period for decades and would recommend this book as the ideal introduction for anyone new to it. And there are lots of pictures to add to the page-turning narratives.

From Bernard's 3 favorite reads in 2023.