Reviews

Oliver Cromwell (Penguin Monarchs): England's Protector by David Horspool

nathanjhunt's review against another edition

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medium-paced

2.5

This was my 27th book finished in 2024.

The text, for the majority was well-written and easy to understand; some other Penguin Monarch titles are definitely not like that.

Unfortunately, I just found it quite dry and dull. Obviously, there was a lot of military talk, but not so much of other specific things (y'know, the only things I actually know about Cromwell). 

I thought the author weirdly justified some of the bad things Cromwell did. It's okay that he massacred innocent people, because everyone did at the time (and they did it much more in Europe). 

I don't think the Civil War is my cup of tea. I'm definitely a Restoration Era girlie.

milliebooksonly's review

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informative fast-paced

3.5

xvarenah's review against another edition

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2.0

This doesn't really achieve anything, it's not an exhaustive account of Cromwell's life, it's not a critical essay of the English Civil War or its Puritan regime, it's not even an introductory book. 2020's only purchase I regret.

spooner008's review against another edition

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4.0

I thought that this book was very accessible and very easy to read and understand. It provides the reader with a brief, but detailed overview of Cromwell’s life. I found this book to be both informative and enjoyable. I would recommend both this book and the Penguin Monarch series.

caidyn's review against another edition

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3.0

I think that this is about the same as the book about Charles I. Cromwell just needs to have something more in-depth because of everything that he did and happened. I wanted to know more specific details. Again, glad I have Ackroyd's book about it!
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