J. T. Cliffe is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

‘…a penetrating and profound study, a major contribution to historical studies in our time.’ Times Literary Supplement‘A triumph of research, synthesis and clarity. It will be the standard account for some long time to come.’ Times Educational Supplement‘…pulls together and makes sense of the work of a generation of historians. For religious and political history his book is an event of great significance… it will be the starting point for our thought about Puritanism for many years to come. Christopher Hill, Economic History Review‘…his erudition is unrivalled, his industry indefatigable…’ Hugh Trevor-Roper, Sunday Times

• Part 1: Fundamental Conditions 1. Preview 2. The Nation at Large 3. The King and the Court 4. Charles and his Privy Purse 5. The Country Classes 6. Country Life 7. London 8. Reading and the Family Part 2: Economic Difficulties 9. The Poor 10. Hard Times 11. Two Important Trades 12. Monopolies 13. The Plague Part 3: Charles’ Foreign Wars 14. English Military and Naval Life 15. Futility in War 16. ‘So Much for Buckingham!’ 17. Aftermath of Ré 18. Hazards of the Sea Part 4: Government and Law 19. Charles’ First Three Parliaments 20. Finance Without Parliament 21. Ship-Money and the Migration 22. The Court of Star Chamber 23. Impending Trouble Part 5: Anglican Against Puritan 24. The English Church – General 25. Puritan Thought 26. The Anglicans 27. Laud against the Puritans 28. The High Commission 29. The Case of Charles Chauncy 30. The Case of Samuel Ward 31. The Courts and the Common Folk 32. Summary – The Leaven of Discontent Part 6: The English Story of the Migration 33. Early Plans and Motives 34. Settlement Begins 35. The Massachusetts Bay Company 36. Preparations to Go 37. Reports Reach England 38. Restrictions and Evasions 39. New Dangers 40. Gorges Against the Colony 41. The Last Danger Weathered