J. C. Davis is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of East Anglia, UK

'Colin Davis brings an unrelenting intelligence to his interrogation of the treacherous sources for the life of Oliver Cromwell, and he demands answers to radical questions. The result is a study that is wonderfully fresh, bold and challenging. It makes for gripping reading.' John Morrill, Professor of British and Irish Histo 'Overall, this book is excellent and is a very enjoyable read. Concise and clear, it is a good starting point for those who do not know much about Oliver Cromwell. However, for those with more knowledge it offers new and often valuable insights into the man and includes all the latest historical research. I can thoroughly recommend this book.' Journal of the Sealed Knot Society 'Although other historians have already provided recent and easily accessible studies of Cromwell...Davis's is distinctively different and will undoubtedly find new readers.' Times Higher Education Supplement 'Davis's is the best analysis we have of Cromwell's religion and its politics.' Journal of Modern History 'Colin Davis has written a highly sophisticated and profoundly skeptical book on Cromwell . The most intellectually satisfying book on Cromwell this reviewer has ever read. Deserves to be read by all students of the period.' Albion