The years 1658-1667 form one of the most vital and eventful periods in English history, witnessing the Plague, the Great Fire of London, the naval wars against the Dutch, and, above all, the transformation of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth into the Restoration monarchy of Charles II. Hutton's detailed study of the period returns to nearly all the extant manuscript sources and reworks every issue afresh. The result is an absorbing and perceptive account of national experience as government policy changed, influenced by the interaction of central concerns, local perspectives, and the various social, political, and religious groups. "Ronald Hutton presents a narrative which reveals the stark political and religious realities of the age, researched in great depth and accompanied by thoughtful and provoking analysis."-- History Teaching Review "A splendidly robust review of a complicated period. Attractive for students, because it offers them both a clear outline of events and a stimulating view of changing historical interpretations. A difficult art and a considerable achievement."--A.D.M. Pettegree, St. Andrews "This unabridged edition will certainly be both stimulating and informative for its intended audience. This study is strongly recommended."--J.R. Jones, University of East Anglia, History & Archaeology Review "A masterly survey of the complex nature of the Restoration settlements and of events to 1667, which is both narrative and an outline for further research...any students studying the Restoration for an 'A' level special subject would find the book of enormous value."--Christopher W. Daniels, Teaching History "Hutton's account of the complicated events leading to the Restoration is the best we have."-- Observer "[M]uch the best account of the period."-- Times Literary Supplement "Intensively researched, humorous and vivid."--Myron Noonkester, William Carey College Ronald Hutton is at University of Bristol.