‘Fascinating reading for lovers of English history in the seventeenth century’ – C. V. Wedgwood An in-depth study of the first major battle of the English Civil Wars: Edgehill 1642. Ideal for readers of Christopher L. Scott, Richard Holmes and Peter Ackroyd, and for everyone interested in military history and the English Civil Wars. On a bitterly cold night in October 1642 two armies faced each other across a Warwickshire field, awaiting the light of a new day, and the battle that was to commence. What followed has gone down in history as the first bloody clash of the English Civil Wars and marked the point of no return in the hostilities between King and Parliament. Brigadier Peter Young offers a masterly retelling of every detail of that fateful day and of the preceding campaign and its aftermath. Here he explores the military tactics, weaponry and organisation of the armies of both sides, drawing a compelling picture of the men who fought and what it must have been like for them on the battlefield. Valuable first-hand accounts bring the battle to life through the voices of those who took part and provide a fascinating insight into one of the most famous engagements of the conflict. This highly readable book offers a fascinating insight into a key battle of the Civil Wars and is a must-have volume for every historian interested in England’s turbulent seventeenth century. ‘ How a battle was fought in the Civil War: artillery , cavalry , infantry , supply ; discipline , bravery , cowardice , looting ; uniforms , arms , armour , colours , medals — everything is packed into Brigadier Young’s exceptional book Edgehill 1642.’ — Geoffrey Grigson, Country Life ‘A study in depth and the fascination of history is in the detail … fidelity to fact in no way dulls the sparkle of his racy narrative .’ — John Biggs-Davison ‘ As a life - long devotee of the English Civil War I welcome this comprehensive and absorbing book on the Battle of Edgehill . Brigadier Young enjoys an unrivalled position as the leading authority on the military history of the Civil War … his writing is always clear , practical and to the point , and enlivened by a nice touch of humour .’ — C.V. Wedgwood