English Puritanism

The Puritans of seventeenth century England have been blamed for everything from the English civil war to the rise of capitalism. But who were the Puritans of Stuart England? Were they apostles of liberty, who fled from persecution to the New World? Or were they intolerant fanatics, intent on bringing godliness to Stuart England?

This study provides a clear narrative of the rise and fall of the Puritans across the troubled seventeenth century. Their story is placed in context by analytical chapters, which describe what the Puritans believed and how they organised their religious and social life. Quoting many contemporary sources, including diaries, plays and sermons, this is a vivid and comprehensible account, drawing on the most recent scholarship.

Readers will find this book an indispensable guide, not only to the religious history of seventeenth century England, but also to its political and social history. Review: '...both a useful introduction to novices and a thought-provoking analysis for those already familiar with much of the literature.' - J.A.I.

Champion, Journal of Ecclesiastical History 'This study is a splendid addition to the reading list. It is written for intelligent undergraduates treading the unfamiliar ground of religious history and admirably performs this duty. Having had the pleasure of employing this text as primary reading for such a course I can say, without reservation, that Dr Spurr has plugged an historiographical gap splendidly and has seriously enhanced the literature on Puritanism.' - History, the Journal of the Historical Association 'Well-chosen quotations from contemporary sources bring out clearly the flavour of the period.' - R.C.

Richardson, Times Higher Education Supplement