A thrilling political history about the months that brought England to the cusp of civil war, from the acclaimed author of The Blazing World
In 1641, England exits a plague-ridden and politically unstable summer having reached a semblance of peace: the English and Scottish armies have disbanded, legislation has passed to ensure Parliament will continue to sit and the people are tentatively optimistic. But King Charles I is not satisfied with peace - he wants revenge.
So begins England-s winter of discontent. As revolutionary sects of London begin to generate new ideas about democracy, as radical new religious groups seek power and as Ireland explodes into revolt, Charles hatches a plan to restore his absolute rule. On 4 January 1642 he marches on Westminster, seeking to arrest and impeach five Members of Parliament - and so sets in motion a series of events that will lead to bloodshed and war, changing a nation forever.
Why did the English Civil W
