
The English Civil War
A Military History
Peter Gaunt(Author)
Bloomsbury Academic (Publisher)
2nd Edition
Will be published approx. on 11. December 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
416 pages
978-1-350-37807-0 (ISBN)
Description
Focusing on the martial core of the English Civil War, this account offers a detailed overview of the decade-long conflict: from the social, religious, and political divisions that influenced the nation's militarization, to the experiences of combatants and civilians, and the War's relationship with urban and rural environments.
Peter Gaunt uses rich contemporary accounts to examine experiences of the War from all angles. Whether detailing early clashes between the two armies, analysing the events of major conflicts such as Edgehill and Cheriton, or examining Parliamentary efforts to establish peace, this book highlights the pervasive impact of the English Civil War upon the nation. With exploration of fresh debates concerning the memory and memorialisation of the War, Peter Gaunt demonstrates how the conflict's aftershocks lasted far beyond the 1640s
Building on the substantial foundations of the first edition, The English Civil War has been updated to include:
- Analysis of the connections between the main war of 1642-46 and the political, administrative, and
religious developments during this period.
- Exploration of local politics and the role of print culture.
- Updated coverage of Scotland and Ireland during the 1640s.
- Expanded historiographical material and new maps.
Ideal for students and general readers alike, this is an essential resource for all interested in the English Civil War and military history.
Peter Gaunt uses rich contemporary accounts to examine experiences of the War from all angles. Whether detailing early clashes between the two armies, analysing the events of major conflicts such as Edgehill and Cheriton, or examining Parliamentary efforts to establish peace, this book highlights the pervasive impact of the English Civil War upon the nation. With exploration of fresh debates concerning the memory and memorialisation of the War, Peter Gaunt demonstrates how the conflict's aftershocks lasted far beyond the 1640s
Building on the substantial foundations of the first edition, The English Civil War has been updated to include:
- Analysis of the connections between the main war of 1642-46 and the political, administrative, and
religious developments during this period.
- Exploration of local politics and the role of print culture.
- Updated coverage of Scotland and Ireland during the 1640s.
- Expanded historiographical material and new maps.
Ideal for students and general readers alike, this is an essential resource for all interested in the English Civil War and military history.
Reviews / Votes
This is a superbly well-researched and knowledgeable book. Measured, judicious and fully abreast of all the latest writing in the field, it will at once take its place as the most comprehensive and authoritative military history of the English Civil War. * Mark Stoyle, Professor of History, University of Southampton, UK * Scholars, teachers and students alike are generously served by Gaunt's revised and much-expanded text. This is an accessible, authoritative, and highly engaging analysis of the civil wars that provides a splendid discussion of military matters, but that never neglects the war's broader political, social and cultural contexts, its human dimensions, or its long-term impact and significance. * Lloyd Bowen, Professor of Early Modern History, Cardiff University, UK *More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 156 mm
Width: 234 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
478 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-37807-0 (9781350378070)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
12/2025
2nd Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€31.99
Available for download

E-Book
12/2025
2nd Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€31.99
Available for download
Person
Peter Gaunt is Professor of History at the University of Chester, UK.
Content
List of maps
List of illustrations
Introduction: The Faces of War
1. 'One Unexpected Accident after Another, as Waves of the Sea': The Origins and Causes of the English Civil War
2. 'And Thus Innocently Began this Cursed War': The War Begins, a Nation Divides and the Conflicts of 1642
3. 'So Many Asses to the Slaughter': The Nature of the English Civil War
4. 'War is a Womb Big With Many Miseries': The Fighting and Campaigns of 1643
5. 'Pluck[ing] a Victory out of the Enemies' Hands': The Fighting and Campaigns of 1644
6. 'Bestrewed with Carcases of Horses and Men': The Fighting and Campaigns of 1645-46 and the Outcome of the War
7. The Outcome and Legacy of the Civil War
8. The Causes, Course, and Consequences of the 'Second Civil War'
Conclusion: The Memory and Memorialising of the Civil War
Bibliography
Index
List of illustrations
Introduction: The Faces of War
1. 'One Unexpected Accident after Another, as Waves of the Sea': The Origins and Causes of the English Civil War
2. 'And Thus Innocently Began this Cursed War': The War Begins, a Nation Divides and the Conflicts of 1642
3. 'So Many Asses to the Slaughter': The Nature of the English Civil War
4. 'War is a Womb Big With Many Miseries': The Fighting and Campaigns of 1643
5. 'Pluck[ing] a Victory out of the Enemies' Hands': The Fighting and Campaigns of 1644
6. 'Bestrewed with Carcases of Horses and Men': The Fighting and Campaigns of 1645-46 and the Outcome of the War
7. The Outcome and Legacy of the Civil War
8. The Causes, Course, and Consequences of the 'Second Civil War'
Conclusion: The Memory and Memorialising of the Civil War
Bibliography
Index