A Short History of Early Modern England

A Short History of Early Modern England presents the historical and cultural information necessary for a richer understanding of English Renaissance literature. Written in a clear and accessible style for an undergraduate level audience Gives an overview of the period’s history as well as an understanding of the historiographic issues Explores key historical and literary events, from the Wars of the Roses to the publication of John Milton’s Paradise Regained Features in depth explanations of key terms and concepts, such as absolutism and the Elizabethan Settlement

Aims and Acknowledgements vi Quoting from Early Modern Texts ix Illustrations x England’s Rulers From Richard II to Charles II xi Timeline of Key Events xii 1 An Overview of Early Modern England 1 2 The Back-Story of the Tudor Dynasty: From Richard II to Henry VII 27 3 Henry VII, Henry VIII, and the Henrician Era (1509–47) 59 4 Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, and Mary I (1547–53) 92 5 The Elizabethan Era (1558–1603) 115 6 The Reign of King James VI/I (1603–25) 149 7 Charles I (1625–42): From Accession to the Beginning of the Civil Wars 181 8 The Civil Wars, the Commonwealth, and the Early Restoration (1642–71) 214 Index 252