Ian Gentles – författare

The definitive account of the superior fighting force that powered the English RevolutionThe New Model Army was one of the most formidable fighting forces ever assembled. Formed in 1645, it was crucial in overthrowing the monarchy and propelling one of its most brilliant generals, Oliver Cromwell, to power during the English Revolution. Paradoxically, it was also instrumental in restoring the king in 1660. But the true nature of this army has long been debated.  In this authoritative history, Ian Gentles examines the full scope of the New Model Army. As a fighting force it engineered regicide, pioneered innovative military tactics, and helped to keep Cromwell in power as Lord Protector until his death. All the while, those within its ranks promoted radical political ideas inspired by the Levellers and held dissenting religious beliefs. Gentles explores how brilliant battlefield maneuvering and logistical prowess contributed to its victories—and demonstrates the vital role religion played in building morale and military effectiveness.

The first new biography of Oliver Cromwell in several years, this rounded account does equal justice to his public and private life, to his political career, his military abilities and his passionate religiosity.Ian Gentles synthesizes much recent research including Cromwell's activity as a lay preacher, his patronage of the arts and his promotion of horsebreeding. Gentles also provides fresh findings on Cromwell's pay as a soldier, his personal enrichment as general and lord protector, his little-known erotic side, and his astonishing generosity in the cause of international Protestantism. At the same time, this approachable study provides a new assessment of Cromwell's genius as a soldier and sheds light on the suspenseful drama surrounding parliament's offer of the crown in 1657.Ideal for students and general readers alike, this is an essential and stimulating introduction to all aspects of the life of a key figure in British history.

The first new biography of Oliver Cromwell in several years, this rounded account does equal justice to his public and private life, to his political career, his military abilities and his passionate religiosity.Ian Gentles synthesizes much recent research including Cromwell's activity as a lay preacher, his patronage of the arts and his promotion of horsebreeding. Gentles also provides fresh findings on Cromwell's pay as a soldier, his personal enrichment as general and lord protector, his little-known erotic side, and his astonishing generosity in the cause of international Protestantism. At the same time, this approachable study provides a new assessment of Cromwell's genius as a soldier and sheds light on the suspenseful drama surrounding parliament's offer of the crown in 1657.Ideal for students and general readers alike, this is an essential and stimulating introduction to all aspects of the life of a key figure in British history.

This collection of essays examines the struggles of the people of England with the collapse of civilization as they knew it. As the country fell into civil war and near anarchy, the people sought out in word and action how to preserve what could still be preserved or to create new political, religious and social certainties. The authors discuss individuals or groups who were soldiers, writers or statesmen of the Civil Wars or the Interregnum, people who were at the centre of power or in more humble and localized circumstances. All of the authors take their inspiration from the work of Austin Woolrych, whose own books and articles focus on these very questions. This volume is published in his honour.

This collection of essays examines the struggles of the people of England with the collapse of civilization as they knew it. As the country fell into civil war and near anarchy, the people sought out in word and action how to preserve what could still be preserved or to create new political, religious and social certainties. The authors discuss individuals or groups who were soldiers, writers or statesmen of the Civil Wars or the Interregnum, people who were at the centre of power or in more humble and localized circumstances. All of the authors take their inspiration from the work of Austin Woolrych, whose own books and articles focus on these very questions. This volume is published in his honour.

The New Model Army was one of the most formidable fighting forces ever assembled. Taking his evidence from contemporary sources, Ian Gentles describes its formation under Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, their innovative tactics, the course of its decisive victories over the forces of Charles I, and its ferociously successful campaigns against the Scots and the Irish. As importantly, he examines the motivations and aspirations of the soldiers and their officers. The question of how far the New Model was a revolutionary army and how far a body of men whose religious passion was manipulated for the pragmatic, personal, or even conservative aims of its leaders is one that has occupied the minds of historians for three centuries. Ian Gentles provides a convincing resolution of this debate, raising new evidence to support his argument.

Canada's Founding Debates is about Confederation—about the process that brought together six out of the seven territories of British North America in the years 1864-73 to form a country called Canada. It presents excerpts from the debates on Confederation in all of the colonial parliaments from Newfoundland to British Columbia and in the constituent assembly of the Red River Colony. The voices of the powerful and those of lesser note mingle in impassioned debate on the pros and cons of creating or joining the new country, and in defining its nature.In short explanatory essays and provocative annotations, the editors sketch the historical context of the debates and draw out the significance of what was said. By organizing the debates thematically, they bring out the depth of the founders' concern for issues that are as vital today as they were then: the meaning of liberty, the merits of democracy, the best form of self-government, the tension between collective and individual rights, the rule of law, the requirements of political leadership, and, of course, the nature of Canadian nationality. Canada's Founding Debates offers a fresh and often surprising perspective on Canada's origins, history, and political character.Previously published by Stoddart Publishing, 1999.

This well-rounded study of Oliver Cromwell does equal justice to the public and private lives, political career, military abilities and passionate religiosity of a key figure in British History.Ian Gentles synthesizes much recent research into Cromwell’s life, including his activity as a lay preacher, his patronage of the arts, and promotion of horse breeding. With analysis of fresh findings on Cromwell’s pay as a soldier, his personal enrichment as general and lord protector, his little-known erotic side, and his generosity in the cause of international Protestantism, Gentles offers a truly comprehensive study of a central player in the English Civil War.Building on the strong foundations laid by the 1st edition, Oliver Cromwell has been updated to include:-Expanded material on the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland and its aftermath-Enhanced coverage of the Protectorate-An updated conclusion with fresh analysis of Cromwell’s legacy-A new timeline and family treeIdeal for students and general readers alike, this is an essential and stimulating introduction to all aspects of the life of Oliver Cromwell.