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Product Description
Book Description
The bestselling historian¿s biography of a decisive figure in England¿s history.
Product Description
No Englishman has made more impact on the history of his nation than Oliver Cromwell; few have been so persistently maligned in the folklore of history. The central purpose of Antonia Fraser's book is the recreation of his life and character, freed from the distortions of myth and Royalist propaganda.
Cromwell was a man of contradictions and surprising charm. This decisive and ruthless commander was also a country gentleman and a passionate connoisseur of music. Of Cromwell's fitness for high office, this fascinating biography leaves no doubt. Under his rule English prestige abroad rose to a level unequalled since Elizabeth I, yet his campaign in Ireland has cast a shadow over his reputation.
Antonia Fraser displays great insight into this complex man and reveals a totally unexpected Cromwell, far removed from the received stereotype.
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First Sentence
In the spring and on the eve of the seventeenth century, a son was born to Robert and Elizabeth Cromwell of Huntingdon. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
In the spring and on the eve of the seventeenth century, a son was born to Robert and Elizabeth Cromwell of Huntingdon. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Antonia Fraser's 'Cromwell, Our Chief of Men', at over 700 pages, is certainly monumental in proportion to its subject. Lady Antonia has succeeded in writing an engaging, comprehensive, and sympathetic biography of Oliver Protector that challenges us to re-examine this much-maligned giant of English (and indeed Scottish, Welsh, and Irish) history. Cromwell emerges as an affectionate husband, friend, and father, a sincere Christian, a tremendously effective military leader and, despite his Irish atrocities, a humanitarian genuinely committed to alleviating the lot of the masses.
My greatest problem with Lady Antonia's account is that she seems torn between her like of Cromwell and her royalist convictions. This seriously plagues her description of the trial and execution of Charles I and Cromwell's agonising over whether to accept the crown in 1657. Lady Antonia concludes that the execution of the king was unlawful. So it certainly was, by the laws of the time; but by such standards the Nuremberg trials were equally unlawful. A sounder approach might have been to investigate the difficulties posed by a legal system that placed certain people above the law. Lady Antonia also refuses to give Cromwell credit for refusing the crown.
All in all, despite some downsides like the above, and some minor irritations (typographical errors and Lady Antonia's hostility towards the common comma), this is a well-written popular biography that is warmly recommended to all who wish to learn more (or, indeed, anything at all - as was the case with me) about the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell.
My greatest problem with Lady Antonia's account is that she seems torn between her like of Cromwell and her royalist convictions. This seriously plagues her description of the trial and execution of Charles I and Cromwell's agonising over whether to accept the crown in 1657. Lady Antonia concludes that the execution of the king was unlawful. So it certainly was, by the laws of the time; but by such standards the Nuremberg trials were equally unlawful. A sounder approach might have been to investigate the difficulties posed by a legal system that placed certain people above the law. Lady Antonia also refuses to give Cromwell credit for refusing the crown.
All in all, despite some downsides like the above, and some minor irritations (typographical errors and Lady Antonia's hostility towards the common comma), this is a well-written popular biography that is warmly recommended to all who wish to learn more (or, indeed, anything at all - as was the case with me) about the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Although I had my doubts about reading a 700 page history book, I must say that as soon as I picked it up it was almost impossible to put down. The book charts The life of Oliver Cromwell from birth right through the civil wars to the end of his life. Lady Antonia Fraser has written a book that goes into not inconsiderable detail, she takes her information from many sources and weaves them together to produce a book that you believe tells the real story. Throughout this book you can read the way England came into the great civil wars, How the people reacted and how the two sides fought, both against each other and within their own ranks. The book endeared itself to me for many reasons, The detail is fantastic and helps you to understand why things took place and not just how. If there is a criticism then I think it must be that Cromwell does come across very well, He does not seem to be this cruel military leader who mercilessly cut down the Irish and brought havoc on the land. In the end though I am forced to conclude that the book is incredibly well written and an outstanding read. The book brought out a desire in me to learn more about the civil war and Englands history which no other book has ever managed. Antonia Fraser hits the mark here, a fascinating read.
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is initially a very daunting prospect. I found it quite easy to get into, though, and enjoyed the first third. After the Civil War ended, I felt it got a bit bogged down and tricky to remember who was who, but well worth the effort still. It certainly picks up again towards the end.
Overall a very well written and interesting book which really helps one to understand Cromwell. Certainly he was not unworthy of the title, Our Chief of Men. He puts the current breed of so-called 'politicians' to shame! A very good read and well worth reading.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
An Attempt at Balance which Fails
I had long wanted to read a biography of Oliver Cromwell . This being widely regarded as the foremost work on Cromwell it was therefore natural that I should read this account by... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Terry J
Xmas gift
Saw this via Amazon, similar books in hardback were selling for in excess of £100 so to find this in softback, new at less than £10 was excellent - in these challenging economic... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Greyowl
Cromwell, Our Chief Of Men
Miss Fraser tells Cromwell's life,in an exciting way,, a brilliant read, and not hard to understand,, If you love istory, you will love this,,
Published 6 months ago by Mrs. A. Rhodes
Cormwell our Chief of Men
Having read Geoffrey Robertson's Tyrannised Brief and the Levellers buy the same author I noticed I had a copy of Antonia Frasers Cromwell Chief of Men on my book shelves that I... Read more
Published 20 months ago by bishwop
Captivating (in parts)
The 'problem' with Antonia Fraser is that she's a woman! I don't mean that in any sexist way, God forbid, only in respect that her layout structure doesn't cater for the male... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Rufus
Cromwell: Our Chief of Men, Antonia Fraser - Exhaustive biography of...
Oliver Cromwell is probably one of the most important figures in British History. The man of conscience whose actions have shaped the modern world we live in. Read more
Published on 21 May 2010 by Victor
A Very Good Biography of the Soldier turned Statesman
Cromwell - Our Chief of Men by Antonia Fraser is a very good book about the only head of state England has had in over a thousand years who has not been a monarch. Read more
Published on 5 Jan 2010 by HBH
A Tad Tedious, Not Fraser's Best
Cromwell: Our Chief of Men is clearly a very well researched book, and is full of useful information to anyone interested in Cromwell. Read more
Published on 2 Aug 2009 by C. McNamee
cromwell.
alot of book,and a good price, a very good read, delivered on time for a gift at christmas,would use this site again.
Published on 16 Feb 2009 by Mrs. Alice D. Flagg
Adequate history
History is generally written in 2 ways. Firstly for the newcomer to the topic a book turns these past events into an exciting narrative. Read more
Published on 29 May 2008 by J. Duducu
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