A revisionist history showing a gradual build-up of opposition and a drift to conflict which few expected or wanted. And this was despite growing Stuart absolutism, threats to Parliament and the accepted civil order and religious controversy. It is forensic study, full of fascinating and even unexpected details, principal actors come to life and readers will feel involved in an existential crisis of the British state(s).

The study of the three Kingdoms covers the major themes of religious dispute with Laud, Wentworth and Strafford - towering figures - church reform, 'godly'religions and explosion of 'news' and pamphlets, the King and Lords and Commons, the Queen's, often suspect influence, King Charles' absolutism and rigidity, and iconic events like the Grand Remonstance, arrest of the Five Members, Charles' departure from London and the raising of the Royal Standard for war.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Introduction
  • Part I: The Calm Before the Storm – Or Ominous Subcurrents? 1625–1640
  • Chapter 1 Introduction to the English Situation pre-1640. Ominous Subcurrents or Not? Religion, Law, Finance and the Outbreak of Conflict – the Deciding Factors?
  • Chapter 2 The Scots Crisis: The Tipping-point which Ruined an Otherwise Strong Position in 1637–9?
  • Chapter 3 1640: Missed Opportunities for Compromise?
• Part II: The Drift to War, 1640–2
  • Chapter 4 November 1640–May 1641. Reform, Retribution and Confrontation
  • Chapter 5 May 1641 to January 1642. Missed Chances or Inevitable Showdown?
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Plates