'The man - it is ever so with the noblest - was greater than his work.'
Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) is undoubtedly one of the most controversial
figures in the history of the British Isles. After his religious
conversion towards Puritanism in the 1630s, the future Lord Protector
engaged in political conduct that was rather controversial. Up to the
present day, opinions on him vary widely. The author himself is a
descendant of Cromwell and a strong advocate for his ancestor's work,
whom he regarded as a hero of liberty. Being a Regius Professor of
Modern History, Gardiner was the foremost historian of the Puritan
revolution of his day. In this biography, the author manages
successfully to approach Cromwell's eventful life in a scientific way,
without losing touch with Cromwell's personal view which is supported by
historical documents such as letters and speeches.