4. We’re all so 17th Century

Providence Lost provides a compelling narrative of England's first experiment with republican government under Oliver Cromwell. The book delves into the complexities of Cromwell's rule, including his military campaigns and the religious and political tensions that led to the eventual collapse of the Protectorate. It offers a vivid portrayal of the era, highlighting the paradoxes and contradictions of Cromwell's leadership.

This book by Geoffrey Parker examines the 'General Crisis' of the 17th century, a period marked by revolutions, droughts, famines, invasions, wars, and regicides that affected regions from England to Japan and from the Russian Empire to sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas. Parker uses firsthand accounts and scientific evidence to demonstrate the impact of climate change, particularly the 'Little Ice Age', on global societies. The changes in weather patterns, such as longer winters and cooler, wetter summers, disrupted growing seasons, leading to crop failures, famine, malnutrition, disease, and increased mortality. The book highlights how these environmental factors contributed to social unrest, wars, and revolutions, and discusses the contemporary implications of these historical events in the context of modern climate change.

The Diary of Samuel Pepys is a comprehensive record of daily life in 17th century London, written by Samuel Pepys from January 1660 to May 1669. The diary provides vivid descriptions of major historical events such as the Great Plague of London, the Great Fire of London, and the Second Anglo-Dutch War. It also offers insights into Pepys' personal life, including his career rise in the Navy, his marital issues, and his numerous extramarital affairs. The diary is renowned for its frankness and detailed accounts of everyday life, making it a valuable historical resource and a reflection of the turbulent times in which Pepys lived.

Set in 1663, just after the restoration of the monarchy following the English Civil War, the novel revolves around a murder in Oxford. The story is narrated by four characters, including the mathematician John Wallis and the historian Anthony Wood, each providing a different and sometimes conflicting account of the events. The plot involves historical figures such as John Locke, Robert Boyle, and Thomas Ken, and explores themes of belief, truth, and obsession against a backdrop of scientific and philosophical change.

God's Englishman by Christopher Hill provides a detailed and nuanced portrayal of Oliver Cromwell, tracing his life from a fenland farmer to Lord Protector. The book explores Cromwell's role in the English Revolution, highlighting his leadership and the religious and political context of the time. Hill's work emphasizes Cromwell's vision and ruthlessness, as well as his lack of interest in political theory, offering a comprehensive understanding of Cromwell's impact on English history.