Showing results by author "Samuel Rawson Gardiner" in All Categories

As a foremost historian of his time, Samuel Rawson Gardiner’s evaluation of Oliver Cromwell has generally been perceived as a work of great significance. Gardiner applies his highly credited critical eye to one of England’s great military and political leaders. Cromwell rose to power during a time of turbulence and civil distress during which he was admired for certain attributes, yet distrusted for others, including his loyalties to Puritanism.

Delve into the tumultuous saga of the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) with Samuel Rawson Gardiner, a historian whose insights remain highly regarded. This conflict, ignited as a civil war between Protestant princes and the Catholic Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II, quickly spiraled into a broader struggle for European supremacy as external powers intervened. In this concise yet powerful account, Gardiner recounts the legendary battles and the audacious commanders—Mansfeld, Wallenstein, Tilly, and Gustavus Adolphus, among others. Meanwhile, the cunning Cardinal Richelieu, though frail in body, ...

In this insightful exploration, Samuel Rawson Gardiner, a distinguished British historian from the Victorian era, delves into the tumultuous 17th century. His concise yet powerful narrative showcases his strengths, offering a balanced portrayal of key figures such as the ill-fated Strafford, Laud, and King Charles, alongside the visionary Oliver Cromwell. As epic battles rage across England, Scotland, and Ireland, Gardiner skillfully navigates the complex constitutional issues at the heart of this national struggle—pitting doctrinal certainty against liberty of conscience, and royal power ...