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  • The English Civil Wars

  • 1640-1660 (Universal History)
  • By: Blair Worden
  • Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
  • Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (25 ratings)

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The English Civil Wars

By: Blair Worden
Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
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Summary

A brilliant appraisal of the Civil War and its long-term consequences, by an acclaimed historian.

The political upheaval of the mid-17th century has no parallel in English history. Other events have changed the occupancy and the powers of the throne, but the conflict of 1640-60 was more dramatic: the monarchy and the House of Lords were abolished, to be replaced by a republic and military rule.

In this thoroughly enjoyable account, Blair Worden explores the events of this period and their origins—the war between king and Parliament, the execution of Charles I, Cromwell's rule and the Restoration—while aiming to reveal something more elusive: the motivations of contemporaries on both sides and the concerns of later generations.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Blair Worden (P)2022 Orion Publishing Group Limited
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What listeners say about The English Civil Wars

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Helpful summary

Does what it says on the tin - a comprehensible summary of a complex conflict. Interesting to those focussing on a greater understanding of the conflict, not for those who want a suspense-filled narrative. Exactly what I was looking for to increase my understanding

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A rapid but detailed summary

This is a book that is perhaps not good to listen to in the car as you need to concentrate on what is said and sometimes rewind 30s to catch a name or key point. But you do come out from listening to it with a broader vocabulary! The diction and presentation is clear, but you need a rough knowledge of the 17th century before listening as it is delivered at rapid pace.

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    1 out of 5 stars
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Extremely Basic

If you have any knowledge of the English Civil War at all this will add absolutely nothing. A short and simplified potted history. Not for anyone who has read any other book on this subject.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Well read but dull

I was hoping for more of what happened - but it’s really endless blah about politics and manages to bypass any military stuff - odd for a book with the word “war” in its title. Not particularly recommended as it’s too dry - narrator did a good job given the over-laboured material he had to work with

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