Deucey  | 06 Aug 2009 12:15 p.m. PST |
I just read Osprey's Naseby. I would not recomend it. Maps on the new editions are terrible! Also it was dry and confusing, and only 2 (not entirely helpful) pictures. Auldearn was good, as was Marston Moor. Followup Question: What is a good general history of the entire war? |
| NBATemplate | 06 Aug 2009 1:36 p.m. PST |
It's probably a bit dated now but "The English Civil War: A Military History of the Three Civil Wars 1642-1651" 1974 by Richard Holmes and Peter Young is very readable and, as the title suggests, concentrates on the military history: link . David
nba-sywtemplates.blogspot.com |
| Pictors Studio | 06 Aug 2009 2:01 p.m. PST |
If you want a longer view of the war, it's causes and effects I would recommend Jonathan Scott's England's Troubles. It is witty, well written, funny in parts and presents a very readable and intelligent explanation for why things happened the way they did, what people were thinking and uses primary sources in the research extensively. A must for any fan of the 17th century. |
| Timbo W | 06 Aug 2009 4:19 p.m. PST |
Stuart Reid's 'All the King's Armies' is excellent for the military, rather than political side. |
| BobTYW | 06 Aug 2009 8:03 p.m. PST |
Civil War, The Wars of the Three Kingdoms 1638 – 1660
By Trevor Royle
Bob |
| mbsparta | 06 Aug 2009 8:10 p.m. PST |
Stuart Reid's 'All the King's Armies' is excellent for the military, rather than political side. …………. I would have to recommend this one also. But if you're from the US, then you'll need an atlas of the war or of England to figure out where the heck this stuff is happening. Lost in the UK,
Mike B |
| mbsparta | 06 Aug 2009 8:43 p.m. PST |
If you want a longer view of the war, it's causes and effects I would recommend Jonathan Scott's England's Troubles. ………. Scott!!! This is not a good military history on the ECW!! It is a great read though. :) Mike B |
| Pictors Studio | 06 Aug 2009 11:06 p.m. PST |
But he didn't ask for a military history, he asked for a history of the entire war. Nothing else I've read really covers the "entire war." |
| NoLongerAMember | 07 Aug 2009 1:39 a.m. PST |
C V Wedgewoods books, the Kings War and the Kings Peace are still excellent material. |
| GiloUK | 07 Aug 2009 2:22 a.m. PST |
For an easy but informative read, you still can't beat Christopher Hibbert, IMHO. |
| Gallowglass | 07 Aug 2009 11:20 a.m. PST |
For an easy but informative read, you still can't beat Christopher Hibbert, IMHO. I'm just finishing up Hibbert's "Cavaliers and Roundheads", which was enjoyable as an overview. As Giles says, an easy read. Not really much in the way of a military history, but pretty good as an overview of the Civil War. Doesn't really deal with events in Ireland at all. Barely a mention. The Trevor Royle title is also very good (in that it deals with events in England, Scotland and Ireland, and covers both political and military aspects, though your satisfaction with the depth of coverage will vary depending on your tastes), and "All the King's Armies" will be heaving into view shortly – I hope. |
| reddrabs | 08 Aug 2009 7:17 a.m. PST |
Naseby is actually good but suffers from trying to input too much – it is a complicated battle to explain (the battle does need visiting … but it is mostly private farming (arable) land). Read Glenn Ford's book instead. Reid and Hibbert are recommended. In fact Reid is almost essential.
"Going to the Wars" by Carlton is worth a scan. However please try T Hunt's "The English Civil War At First Hand".
Ignoe Haythornthwaite (or whatever) as it leads you into now disproved areas. |
| britishlinescarlet2 | 08 Aug 2009 7:37 a.m. PST |
C V Wedgewoods books, the Kings War and the Kings Peace are still excellent material. Just bought both of these from a charity shop for £5.00! Bargain of the year me thinks! Pete |
 Silurian | 09 Aug 2009 8:51 a.m. PST |
I'm reading Royle's book, and thoroughly enjoying it. Very easy to read, and very comprehensive. I'm just reading about the formation and early clashes of the Covenanters, for example. |
| Timbo W | 09 Aug 2009 12:51 p.m. PST |
Hopefully not entirely off topic, but there's a great website here- british-civil-wars.co.uk that has chronology, biographies, campaigns etc of the ECW, together with some useful maps. |
| Elenderil | 20 Aug 2009 8:38 a.m. PST |
If you want in detail info on tactical developments and differences try Keith Roberts "Cromwell's War Machine". Although it is about the development of parliament's new model Army it runs through the developments that lead to the formation of the NMA. It also includes a potted military history of the first Civil War. If you need maps try Newman's "Atlas of the English Civil War". |
