Synopses & Reviews
The English Civil War, fought between 1642 and 1646, occurred during one of the most turbulent but important periods in British history.
Oliver Cromwell (15991658) was the leading political figure of this period. A religious visionary and moral reformer, Cromwell believed that the Lord had not only chosen him for a special mission but had also handed him the military success and political power to fulfill that divine task. He became a dazzlingly successful soldier and politician, a man who possessed the power and influence to shape the course of revolution and reform. A military genius, he played a crucial role both in crushing the monarchy in England and Wales and in establishing English republican control over Ireland and Scotland. He rose to be head of the army and eventually head of state of a united Britain as Lord Protector.
This illustrated biography provides a concise and accessible introduction to Cromwell's life and career. The text draws upon extensive and up-to-date research as well as contemporary speeches and letters, both personal and political, giving an insight into the hopes and fears, goals and aspirations of the man behind one of the most critical periods of British history.
Review
"Gaunt introduces Oliver Cromwell by recounting the strong opinions still held about him, especially in Ireland, which Cromwell ruthlessly subjugated."
"Gaunt is an engaging writer who takes the reader through Cromwell's life, campaigns, and Protectorate. Readers learn the basics about Cromwell and more. There are few extant records about Cromwell, and historians hotly debate many of the earlier works written about him. This 'Cromwell Lite' demythologizes much of that literature and sets the record straight."
"This biography is an excellent way to introduce readers to this dynamic personality who came to dominate the British Isles in the 17th century, rising from fairly humble beginnings to do so."
Synopsis
The English Civil War, fought between 1642 and 1646, occurred during one of the most turbulent but important periods in British history.
Oliver Cromwell (15991658) was the leading political figure of this period. A religious visionary and moral reformer, Cromwell believed that the Lord had not only chosen him for a special mission but had also handed him the military success and political power to fulfill that divine task. He became a dazzlingly successful soldier and politician, a man who possessed the power and influence to shape the course of revolution and reform. A military genius, he played a crucial role both in crushing the monarchy in England and Wales and in establishing English republican control over Ireland and Scotland. He rose to be head of the army and eventually head of state of a united Britain as Lord Protector.
This illustrated biography provides a concise and accessible introduction to Cromwell's life and career. The text draws upon extensive and up-to-date research as well as contemporary speeches and letters, both personal and political, giving an insight into the hopes and fears, goals and aspirations of the man behind one of the most critical periods of British history.
Synopsis
The past decade has seen American culture deeply divided by debates over social identity, public morality, communal values and freedom of expression. A key focus of these polarizing discussions has been the role of visual arts in public life.
In Art Matters, five leading cultural critics and two prominent contemporary artists show the ways that this debate has profoundly reshaped our view of American culture. Lucy Lippard investigates the extraordinary recent transformations in visual art; Michele Wallace takes on high art, popular culture, and African American identity; David Deitcher discusses queer culture and AIDS; Carole S. Vance ponders censorship and sexually explicit imagery; and Lewis Hyde considers democracy and culture. Projects by artists Julie Ault and Andrea Fraser provide a context for these debates.
Art Matters also offers a close examination of attempts to develop alternative funding sources for artists, focusing specifically on the influential private foundation Art Matters-a foundation which became an important proponent for new forms of art and for protecting freedom of expression through its funding and advocacy efforts.
About the Author
Philip Yenawine is Chair of Art Matters Inc. and author of many books, including
How to Look at Art. Marianne Weems is President of Art Matters Inc.
Philip Yenawine is Chair of Art Matters Inc. and author of many books, including How to Look at Art.
Brian Wallis's many edited collections include Constructing Masculinity and Democracy: A Project by Group Material.