The Stuart Constitution, 1603–1688
Documents and Commentary

J. P. Kenyon (Author)

9780521313278, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 20 February 1986

500 pages
23.7 x 15.9 x 3 cm, 0.805 kg

'The selection of documents earns gratitude for what it admirably includes … The commentaries are important and helpful. They provide both interpretation and narrative with the emphasis changing according to the varying needs of the topics. The interpretation is vigorous and is not tightly confined by the documents … Some may disagree with Professor Kenyon's selection or with his judgements, but all will be grateful. Deservedly this book will be much read and often consulted. It is splendidly produced.' History

Published in 1966, The Stuart Constitution at once established itself as the standard documentary textbook for courses in English seventeenth-century history in schools (A-level), polytechnics, and universities, and one which at the same time offered an individual revisionist outlook on many of the problems involved. For the second edition Professor Kenyon has entirely rewritten his commentary to take account of the latest research in this field; he has thoroughly revised the structure of the book, and he has also strengthened the documentation in several important areas, notably the Interregnum, 1649–1660. The book is divided into four parts, the first three of which are devoted to the periods 1603–1640, 1640–1660 and 1660–1688 respectively. The fourth part deals with some of the general issues of government, at both central and local level, throughout the seventeenth century. One hundred and forty-six documents are included in all, and to aid the student reader speling and punctuation have been modernised. This volume forms a companion to the second edition of Professor Elton's The Tudor Constitution, and is likewise available in both hard and paper covers.

Table of documents
Preface to the second edition
Acknowledgments
List of abbreviations
Introduction
Book I: The Ancient Constitution, 1603–40: 1. The monarchy
2. Parliament
3. Judiciary
4. The established church
Book II. The Era of Experiment, 1640–60: 5. The breakdown, 1640–2
6. The Puritan failure, 1641–8
7. Government and Army, 1642–9
8. The interregnum, 1649–60
Book III. The Restored Constitution: 9. The Restoration settlement
10. Areas of conflict, 1660–88
11. Lords and commons
Book IV. Government: 12. The privy council
13. Local government
Index.

Subject Areas: Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], British & Irish history [HBJD1]