Osprey Essential Histories 58 : The English Civil Wars 1642-1651

One of the most turbulent times in the history of mainland Britain is the period 1642-1651 when she was torn by civil wars. This book focuses on the English and Welsh wars, and examines the causes, course and consequences of the conflicts. While offering a concise military account that assesses the wars in their national, regional and local contexts, Peter Gaunt provides a full appraisal of the severity of the wars and the true extent of the impact on civilian life, highlighting areas of continued historical debate. The personal experiences and biographies of key players are also included in this comprehensive account.

Contents

• Introduction
• Chronology
• Background to War : The Causes and Origins of the English Civil Wars
• Outbreak : Charles I and the Descent into War in Three Kingdoms 1625-42
• Warring sides : Raising the Armies 1642
• The Fighting : The English Civil War 1642-46
• Portrait of a Soldier : Soldiers' Stories
• The World around War : The Wider Context
• Portrait of a Civilian : Civilians' Stories
• How the War Ended : The Failure of Peace and the Renewal of War 1646-49
• Conclusion and Consequences : The Legacy of the Civil Wars
• Further Reading
• Index