Originally published in 1968, the documents collected in this volume (all re-set for ease of reading), trace the history of the Puritan Revolution from its roots in the early seventeenth century to the Restoration. They show how the causes and the course of the upheaval were reflected immediately and polemically in the torrent of books, tracts and pamphlets, letters, speeches, sermons, petitions, paper constitutions and government instruments that accompanied and often precipitated events. The documents substantiate the conviction of many scholars that the English Revolution represented a shaking of society comparable to the French and Russian revolutions. The Introduction discusses the work of historians of modern-day historians of the period and contributes to the debate about the underlying causes of the crisis.

Reflections on the Puritan Revolution (1986) examines the damage done by the Puritans during the English Civil War, and the enormous artistic losses England suffered from their activities. The Puritans smashed stained glass, monuments, sculpture, brasses in cathedrals and churches; they destroyed organs, dispersed the choirs and the music. They sold the King’s art collections, pictures, statues, plate, gems and jewels abroad, and broke up the Coronation regalia. They closed down the theatres and ended Caroline poetry. The greatest composer and most promising scientist of the age were among the many lives lost; and this all besides the ruin of palaces, castles and mansions.

`A major contribution to our understanding of the English Revolution.' Ann Hughes, Professor of Early Modern History, Keele University.

Leveller Manifestoes (1944) is a collection of primary manifestoes issued by the Levellers, the group which played an active and influential role in the English revolution of 1642–49. This book collects together rare pamphlets and tracts that are seldom available, and certainly not in one place for ease of research.

Originally published in 1930 and reprinted in 1966 this book focusses on the social and economic developments of the Puritan revolution – aspects which are often overlooked in favour of the political. Using archival resources, this study shows that the period 1640-1660 was one of change and experiment in the social as well as political sphere. Particular focus is given to the depression in industry and agriculture and the resultant increase in poverty and unemployment. The extent to which the traditional authority of church and state was weakened, is also discussed.

Throughout this essay all dates are given in New Style. When pamphlets were originally dated Old Style, the new date has been substituted. In all quotations the original seventeenth-century spelling has been retained. A "sic" is placed in the quotation only where it appears to be certain that there has been a misprint in the original. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the late Professor Garrett Mattingly of Columbia University for his inspiration and guidance during the years spent under his sponsorship. It was a rare privilege to study under him. Professor Sidney Burrell of Barnard College offered many constructive suggestions and I am most appreciative of the kind interest he took in the completion of this study. I also wish to thank the editors of The American Journal of Legal History for publishing some of my material on Chancery reform in their Journal. The staff of the North Library of the British Museum was most helpful in making available the many volumes of the Thomason Collection. Thanks are also due to the staff of the Library of Union Theological Seminary who helped in the location of materials from the McAlpin Collection.