It would perhaps be helpful
for a more fitting overview, but that does not detract from the effective
narrative in bringing the political details of the British monarchy to
life. The Stuart dynasty is accurately, informatively, and with great
attention to readability, made clear as to their place in British history
and the political events in which they partook.
There is so much history to the Stuart dynasty as the power of the
Monarchy was in constant flux. In A Monarchy Transformed: Britain 1603-
1714, Kishlansky understands this and not only does not delve into every
subject, but prepares the reader for the vast resources available on the
Stuarts through a detailed and suggestive further reading section. This
means that Kishlansky understands where his work fits into the reading and
also that he does not intend to do too much with A Monarchy Transformed.
Instead, he gives an overview of the political aspects of the monarchy
without unnecessary aspects and areas which are touched on by other
research. The Stuart dynasty is being recognized for its importance and
therefore the literature is growing. It is without a doubt an important
period in the history of England- with countless crises. The secession of
Anne, for instance, again highlights the importance of religion within the
monarchy and in Great Britain. James II was deposed because he was a
Catholic, thus illustrating the nature of the monarchy and influence of
religion in political life. Furthermore, Anne also ruled during another
interesting event, that being the rise of a two party system in Great
Britain with the Whigs and the Tories. This is another important event in
the history of England and in the development of politics throughout the
world, and this would come to be a factor in Great Britain for many years.
A two party system would be a cornerstone of democracy as a result. Anne
also had...
The position did
not die with the Stuart dynasty, but just transformed thus transforming
England and all of Great Britain in the process.
A very interesting read, bringing to life the politics of the Stuart
dynasty and one of the most important centuries in all of history, A
Monarchy Transformed: Britain 1603-1714 is a fitting an interesting look
into the shifts of the British monarchy from James I until Anne. While the
events in England are probably given too much attention as this was a time
that Britain was expanding throughout the world and engaging in war on the
continent, the political aspects are of interest. It is with no
questioning why this period is known as the long 17th century because so
much happened during it. While the work covers 113 years, it is roughly a
century and a century in which England leaves the medieval Elizabethan era,
goes through personal rule, Civil War, and comes out with new colonies, new
intellectual activity, new economic superiority, and as a military power in
the world. After understanding the transformation of the monarchy during
this period, it is clear how the new role of the monarch meant a new
England. Without touching on every subject, Kishlansky in A Monarchy
Transformed: Britain 1603-1714, is able to create an interesting and
informative historical narrative on the changes of Great Britain's most
important political entity: the crown. The 17th century was long for a
reason- because so much happened- and Kishlansky is effective in
disseminating the importance of the events without them getting lost in
detail.
References
Kishlansky, M. (1996). A monarchy transformed : Britain 1603-1714. London:
Penguin.
