If looking for a general grasp of why the civil war started without getting too bogged down in detail, then there is nowhere better to look than David Sharp, who combines narrative and analysis masterfully to explain and describe one of the most intriguing and confusing periods in British History. Perfect for both the New AS level and for A level studies, this book is a must for any serious history student and together with the followup, England in crisis 1640-60, it will provide the foundation upon which to build a good grade.