The causes of the three 'English' Civil Wars (1642 to 1645, 1648, and 1651) are complex and controversial ? clashes of conviction, belief, and personality, and a struggle between opposing social groups and economic interests. But, whatever the focus of scholarship, many answers can be sought at the local level, among county communities that were far more outward-looking than once suggested. That is why Ian Beckett's in-depth study of Buckinghamshire, one of the pivotal counties during this turbulent period in British history, is of such value. None of the best-known battles or sieges took place in Buckinghamshire, but there was destructive combat in the county on a smaller scale because its location placed it on the front line between the opposing forces ? between the royalist headquarters at Oxford and the parliamentarian stronghold of London. As Ian Beckett shows, the impact of war on Bucks was considerable. His analysis gives us an insight into the experience of local communities and the county as a whole ? and it reveals much about the experience of the conflict across the country. AUTHOR: Professor Ian F. W. Beckett is Professor of Military History at the University of Kent. He has previously held chairs at the University of Northampton, the US Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia, the University of Luton and the US Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, was Chairman of the Army Records Society and is a Vice-President of the John Hampden Society. SELLING POINTS: ? In-depth study of a key English county during the English Civil Wars ? Describes the destructive combats that took place across the county throughout this period ? Looks at how clashing beliefs, personalities, loyalties and interests shaped the conflict ? Insight into the involvement of famous Buckinghamshire families like the Hampdens and the Verneys ? An essential text for gaining a detailed insight into the impact of the war on families and local communities 20 illustrations
