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Charles the Second: King of England, Scotland, and Ireland,New
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Ronald Hutton is Britain's foremost historian of the English Restoration. His book The Restoration was hailed as 'a real tour de force' by History, a work 'to which all historians will have to refer,' and immediately established itself as the definitive history of the period. Now, in Charles II, Hutton offers a comprehensive biography of the king who returned to England in triumph after the death of Cromwell, reestablishing the monarchy that continues to reign to this day.Hutton reveals the excitement and tragedy of Charles's youth, as the realm erupted into savage civil war, leading to the execution of his father King Charles I at the hands of the rebellious Parliament. His life turned into a long, desperate struggle to claim his crown, including a catastrophic invasion of Cromwell's England that ended in a lonely flight, as he hid in orchards, ditches, and the famous Boscobel Oak. Yet Charles persevered, and was finally recalled from exile by an exhausted nation in 1660.Charles emerges in this narrative as a 'monarch in a masquerade,' a charming, duplicitous, and astonishingly lucky king who spent less time governing than he did at play (when he wasn't hunting, racing, or sailing he was with one of a series of mistresses, producing seventeen acknowledged bastards). Hutton vividly depicts him as a colorful and often underhanded ruler, physically brave in battle, but a moral coward in religionfirst he promised to become a Presbyterian for Scottish aid, then later offered to convert to Catholicism for French help, eventually alienating everyone. His reign endured catastrophe and unrest, from the plague and the Great Fire of London, to defeat at the hands of the Dutch, to Protestant hysteria about a Catholic plot to seize the throne, to the disastrous results of his own secret diplomacy. But Charles in his good fortune survived all of it, beautifully rebuilding London after the fire and firmly anchoring a monarchy whose future had once been bleak.Chosen as a main selection of the History Book Club, Charles II presents an unmatched account of the private life and dramatic public career of this fascinating king. This lively and comprehensive biography, written by a major historian of the Restoration period, captures the politics and personalities of a mometentous era.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main subject of 'Charles the Second: King of England, Scotland, and Ireland'? A: The book provides a comprehensive biography of Charles II, focusing on his life as the king who restored the monarchy in England after the civil war and the death of his father, King Charles I.
- Q: Who is the author of this biography? A: The biography is written by Ronald Hutton, a prominent historian known for his work on the English Restoration.
- Q: What notable events are covered in this book? A: The book covers significant events such as the English Civil War, the execution of Charles I, Charles II's exile, his eventual restoration to the throne, and the challenges he faced during his reign.
- Q: How long is the book and what is its binding type? A: The book has 568 pages and is available in hardcover binding.
- Q: When was 'Charles the Second: King of England, Scotland, and Ireland' published? A: The book was published on February 22, 1990.
- Q: Is this book suitable for readers new to English history? A: Yes, the book is written in an accessible style, making it suitable for both scholars and general readers interested in English history.
- Q: What themes does Hutton explore in this biography? A: Hutton explores themes such as the political and personal life of Charles II, the complexities of his reign, and the impact of his decisions on England's monarchy and society.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations or images? A: The book does not specifically mention illustrations or images, focusing instead on the narrative and historical analysis.
- Q: What kind of readers would find this book appealing? A: Readers interested in British history, biographies of historical figures, and the dynamics of monarchy during the Restoration period would find this book particularly appealing.
- Q: Is this book part of any book clubs or reading programs? A: Yes, it was chosen as a main selection of the History Book Club, indicating its recognition in the historical literature community.