Focusing on the crisis of transition marked by the English Revolution 16401660 this collection of essays also places it in the context of a long seventeenth century. Leading experts in the field explore this theme with special reference to developments in politics religion and society at both national and local levels. The volume breaks decisively with recent historiography in emphasising both the longterm nature and revolutionary implications of the seventeenthcentury events in question. Features of the crisis include the growing challenge to the confessional state from within the ranks of Protestantism itself and the enlargement of the public sphere of politics fuelled increasingly by the role of print along with the painful emergence of a new style parliamentary monarchy and associated fiscalmilitary apparatus. The explosive role of religion especially is highlighted in chapters ranging from the popularity politics engaged in under Elizabeth I to the escalating party strife of Charles IIs reign and beyond. At the same time the epicentre of the revolution is firmly located in the two tumultous decades of civil war and interregnum. The volume will be essential reading for both students and teachers working on this period. . show more