Peter Gaunt’s "Oliver Cromwell" in the British Library Historic Lives series offers a concise yet authoritative account of one of England's most pivotal and controversial figures. Gaunt expertly navigates Cromwell's remarkable journey from an obscure Huntingdonshire gentleman to the architect of the New Model Army and Lord Protector of the Commonwealth.
The book illuminates Cromwell's military genius during the English Civil War, his fervent Puritan beliefs, and his complex political leadership following the execution of Charles I. Gaunt critically examines Cromwell's governance, including his campaigns in Ireland and Scotland, and the enduring impact of his rule. This volume provides readers with a balanced perspective on a figure whose legacy continues to spark debate, offering an accessible entry point into understanding a tumultuous period of British history.