Advertisement
Books

Top 5 revolutionary books, chosen by historian and author Alice Hunt

Alice Hunt’s new book Republic: Britain’s Revolutionary Decade, 1649–1660 documents a time of seismic change, when the newly formed republic was pulled in new directions every year

Five books crammed with revolutionary zeal, chosen by author and professor of early modern literature and history Alice Hunt.

The Trial of Charles I by CV Wedgwood 

A vivid, forensically detailed, affecting account of the last days of Charles I, from his trial in Westminster Hall to his execution in the middle of Whitehall. 

The World Turned Upside Down by Christopher Hill

A compelling book about the fascinating radicals who flourished in the political turmoil of the 1640s and 1650s: the Diggers, Levellers, Ranters, Seekers. It changed the way people thought about the English revolution.  

God’s Executioner by Micheál Ó Siochrú

The story of the English revolution is also the story of atrocities in Ireland in the mid-17th century. This is a thorough and radical interpretation of a difficult period in Anglo-Irish history – and of the part played by Oliver Cromwell in transforming Ireland.

Paradise Lost by John Milton 

Milton’s epic poem about Adam and Eve and their banishment from Eden is essential reading for anyone interested in the English revolution. Bold, ambitious, shocking, Milton’s dramatic retelling of the Bible story is steeped in the language of rebellion. It changed the course of English poetry.

The Compleat Angler by Izaak Walton 

Who would have thought that a little book about fishing, friendship and the English countryside would become a bestseller in Cromwell’s Britain? But it did, and it has never been out of print since. To read it is to be taken right back to the 1650s.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Republic: Britain’s Revolutionary Decade, 1649-1660 by Alice Hunt is out now (Faber, £25). Some of these titles are available to buy from the Big Issue shop on Bookshop.org, which helps to support the Big Issue and independent bookshops.

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about freedom fighters? Get in touch and tell us moreBig Issue exists to give homeless and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy of the magazine or get the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Advertisement

Change a vendor's life this Christmas

This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK will be facing extreme poverty. Thousands of those struggling will turn to selling the Big Issue as a vital source of income - they need your support to earn and lift themselves out of poverty.

Recommended for you

Read All
The truth is we're all sinners – it's how we survive as human beings
Neuroscience

The truth is we're all sinners – it's how we survive as human beings

Top 5 books with a hero, chosen by teacher and author Jack Jackman
Books

Top 5 books with a hero, chosen by teacher and author Jack Jackman

Gliff by Ali Smith review – ingenious and warm anti-establishment storytelling
Books

Gliff by Ali Smith review – ingenious and warm anti-establishment storytelling

Ground by Jadelin Gangbo review – hope for healing amid the wreckage
Books

Ground by Jadelin Gangbo review – hope for healing amid the wreckage

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue