The Making of Oliver Cromwell, Ronald Hutton
The Making of Oliver Cromwell, Ronald Hutton
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The Making of Oliver Cromwell

Author: Ronald Hutton

Narrator: Michael Page

Unabridged: 13 hr 42 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 09/14/2021


Synopsis

The first volume in a pioneering account of Oliver Cromwell—providing a major new interpretation of one of the greatest figures in history

Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658)—the only English commoner to become the overall head of state—is one of the great figures of history, but his character was very complex. He was at once courageous and devout, devious and self-serving; as a parliamentarian, he was devoted to his cause; as a soldier, he was ruthless. Cromwell's speeches and writings surpass in quantity those of any other ruler of England before Victoria and, for those seeking to understand him, he has usually been taken at his word.

In this remarkable new work, Ronald Hutton untangles the facts from the fiction. Cromwell, pursuing his devotion to God and cementing his Puritan support base, quickly transformed from obscure provincial to military victor. At the end of the first English Civil War, he was poised to take power. Hutton reveals a man who was both genuine in his faith and deliberate in his dishonesty—and uncovers the inner workings of the man who has puzzled biographers for centuries.

About Ronald Hutton

Ronald Hutton is professor of history at Bristol University and a leading authority on the British Isles in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, on ancient and medieval paganism and magic, and on the global context of witchcraft beliefs. He is the author of seventeen books.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Anthony on March 23, 2025

From Unknown to Control. When I was a boy I heard many folk stories and sayings of Oliver Cromwell from my elderly grandfather. As an Englishman, Cromwell was revered. A successful war general, head of state and founder of the navy. But who was this man really? Having never really read about him, Cha......more

Goodreads review by Jean-Luc on September 15, 2021

Honestly, it's definitely the best biography of Oliver since Dame Antonia Fraser managed to brilliantly give us a complete look at one of the most controversial historical figures in English history more than 30 years ago. Straight laced, very boring especially on the religious issues, it's impossib......more

Goodreads review by David on August 11, 2021

This is an outstanding work of biography by a historian who seems to have read every available document and has been specialising in this period for some decades. His fairness in assessing the evidence shines through and he is able to see all sides of Cromwell's character. Above all, Hutton puts the......more

Goodreads review by Thomas on June 14, 2023

It’s hard to find fault with any part of this biography of the first four decades of Oliver Cromwell’s life. It’s so in depth it’s difficult to imagine anything being written that is more comprehensive. I find military history a little dry, but I liked Hutton’s thorough approach and even-handedness.......more