I very much enjoyed it, subject to the caveat that I think Robertson leans a little too far to be nice to the Parliamentarians, and in doing so rather waves away criticism of Cromwell's conduct in Ireland. But as you say, a very good read.
I will choose my words very carefully, then; because I really wouldn't want to cause needless offence!
I know that a measured view of Cromwell and the Commonwealth is nigh-on impossible, and that much of the good and the bad spoken are equally arguable according to which sources you prefer.
I would say, however:
That the times were turbulent in the extreme and propaganda was rife from all sides; and that all parties present were encouraged to hate and dehumanise their opponents.
That the charges laid at Cromwell's feet with regards to Drogheda and Wexford are partially justified, given his command position; but they are unexceptional given the times. The Bolton Massacre was different only insofar as Bolton wasn't given a chance to surrender; the siege of Plymouth went on for two years and resulted in the deaths of 30% of the town's inhabitants
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Hope it goes off with a bang, though!
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I know that a measured view of Cromwell and the Commonwealth is nigh-on impossible, and that much of the good and the bad spoken are equally arguable according to which sources you prefer.
I would say, however:
That the times were turbulent in the extreme and propaganda was rife from all sides; and that all parties present were encouraged to hate and dehumanise their opponents.
That the charges laid at Cromwell's feet with regards to Drogheda and Wexford are partially justified, given his command position; but they are unexceptional given the times. The Bolton Massacre was different only insofar as Bolton wasn't given a chance to surrender; the siege of Plymouth went on for two years and resulted in the deaths of 30% of the town's inhabitants ( ... )
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Interesting stuff - I may have to grab myself a copy of this!
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