Puritans in Conflict: The Puritan Gentry During and After the Civil Wars

The Puritan Gentry's godly interest dissolved into faction and impotence due to a conflict between their zeal in religion and conservative instincts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1988, and the companion book to The Puritan Gentry, covering the period of the Civil War, the English Republic, and the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, this book gives an account of how the godly interest of the Puritans dissolved into faction and impotence. The fissures among the Puritan gentry stemmed, as the book shows, from a conflict between their zeal in religion and the conservative instincts which owed much to their wealth and status.

The Puritan Gentry, originally published in 1988, is a companion book to the renowned work that delves into the historical era encompassing the Civil War, the English Republic, and the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. Within its pages, the book offers a captivating account of how the once-united godly interest of the Puritans gradually fragmented and lost its power.

The underlying cause of the divisions among the Puritan gentry, as revealed by the book, lies in a clash between their fervent religious convictions and the conservative tendencies that were deeply ingrained in their wealth and social status. This conflict, which emerged as a significant factor during this transformative period, played a pivotal role in shaping the course of events and ultimately contributed to the decline of the Puritan movement.

The book meticulously explores the intricate dynamics that led to the dissolution of the Puritan gentry's unity. It sheds light on the various factions that emerged within the Puritan community, each with its own distinct beliefs and priorities. These factions, driven by their own agendas and personal interests, often clashed with one another, resulting in a fragmented and divided society.

Furthermore, the book delves into the consequences of the Puritan gentry's factionalism and impotence. It highlights the challenges faced by the Puritans in maintaining their influence and authority during a time of political and social upheaval. The lack of a unified front and the inability to effectively navigate the complex political landscape contributed to their marginalization and eventual decline.

Through its detailed analysis and insightful narrative, The Puritan Gentry provides a valuable perspective on the complex and intriguing history of the English Puritans. It sheds light on the struggles and challenges faced by these religious pioneers, as well as their contributions to the development of English society.

In conclusion, The Puritan Gentry is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of early modern England, particularly the period of the Civil War, the English Republic, and the Restoration. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced account of the factionalized Puritan gentry and their struggles to maintain their influence and power in a rapidly changing world.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367625863