to become Head of State as Lord Protector. But although we have extensive records of his letters and speeches, much about his career and his inner motives remains mysterious.Through a wide variety of primary sources, this book will consider what drove Cromwell as a soldier, politician, statesman and religious visionary; how he saw his own mission, and how others viewed him. Ultimately we confront a haunting question: was Cromwell a man driven by visions of a free and just society, or by ambition and self-interest; a principled defender of civil and religious liberties or a bigot and tyrant?

Hide more