Showing results by author "Samuel Rawson Gardiner" in All Categories

Samuel Rawson Gardiner remains a respected source on the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), which began as a civil conflict between Protestant princes and the Catholic Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II. Lack of unity on both sides, soon drew in outside powers and the war became a struggle for European dominance. In this short book, Gardiner describes the famous battles and the daring generals: Mansfeld and Wallenstein, Tilly and Gustavus Adolphus, Bernard and Turenne. While, behind the scenes, working through secret subsidies and wily diplomacy, frail, indomitable Cardinal Richelieu gained control ...

The following work gives within a short compass a history of Oliver Cromwell from a biographical point of view. The text has been revised by the author. (From the preface to the 1909 edition) This biography considers closely both the actions and the motivations of Oliver Cromwell in the many roles he took on during his life. Gardiner is careful to put Cromwell into the context of his times -- turbulent, volatile and disorienting -- as the three Kingdoms of the Stuart dynasty were torn by bitter internal strife as well as making war upon each other. The author gives close attention to how ...

As a foremost historian of his time, Samuel Rawson Gardiner’s evaluation of Oliver Cromwell has generally been perceived as a work of great significance. Gardiner applies his highly credited critical eye to one of England’s great military and political leaders. Cromwell rose to power during a time of turbulence and civil distress during which he was admired for certain attributes, yet distrusted for others, including his loyalties to Puritanism.

In the autumn of 1896, the renowned historian of the 17th century, Samuel Rawson Gardiner, delivered six lectures on "Cromwell's Place in History" at the University of Oxford. Gardiner wrote that the "object of these lectures is not to deal with the biography of Cromwell, but to estimate his relation to the political and ecclesiastical movements of his time." Thus, each lecture puts the reader in the midst of a critical period of Cromwell's career, analyzing how and why he acted in response to the problems he encountered. (Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)

Delve into the tumultuous saga of the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) with Samuel Rawson Gardiner, a historian whose insights remain highly regarded. This conflict, ignited as a civil war between Protestant princes and the Catholic Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II, quickly spiraled into a broader struggle for European supremacy as external powers intervened. In this concise yet powerful account, Gardiner recounts the legendary battles and the audacious commanders—Mansfeld, Wallenstein, Tilly, and Gustavus Adolphus, among others. Meanwhile, the cunning Cardinal Richelieu, though frail in body, ...

In this insightful exploration, Samuel Rawson Gardiner, a distinguished British historian from the Victorian era, delves into the tumultuous 17th century. His concise yet powerful narrative showcases his strengths, offering a balanced portrayal of key figures such as the ill-fated Strafford, Laud, and King Charles, alongside the visionary Oliver Cromwell. As epic battles rage across England, Scotland, and Ireland, Gardiner skillfully navigates the complex constitutional issues at the heart of this national struggle—pitting doctrinal certainty against liberty of conscience, and royal power ...