The New Model Army: In England, Ireland And Scotland, 1645 - 1653 Paperback

Ian Gentles

The New Model Army was one of the most formidable fighting forces ever assembled. Taking his evidence from contemporary sources, Ian Gentles describes its formation under Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, their innovative tactics, the course of its decisive victories over the forces of Charles I, and its ferociously successful campaigns against the Scots and the Irish. As importantly, he examines the motivations and aspirations of the soldiers and their officers. The question of how far the New Model was a revolutionary army and how far a body of men whose religious passion was manipulated for the pragmatic, personal, or even conservative aims of its leaders is one that has occupied the minds of historians for three centuries. Ian Gentles provides a convincing resolution of this debate, raising new evidence to support his argument.

9780631193470

English

John Wiley And Sons Ltd

23 Mar 1994

604

Ian Gentles is the author of numerous articles on the New Model Army and the English Civil War.

A masterly achievement, and renders all previous works on the creation and early years of the army obsolete." The Times "A meticulously researched book which will supersede all previous work on the New Model Army." Times Literary Supplement "The publication of Ian Gentlesa s account of the New Model Army is an event of major importance in civil war studies. His book is awesomely well researched. What emerges is a very fine work indeed." Economic History Review "... an outstanding teaching tool... an excellent survey of the army that won the civil war. The clarity of Gentlesa prose, and his ability to make sense of a profoundly chaotic period, ensure that this reviewera s students will find the paperback on the required reading list next term." Reviews of Books