" MILITARY "
Although the late John Kenyon made his name as a historian of the post-Restoration period, he had, after persuasion by a well-known publisher, successfully turned his hand to Civil War studies. The last product of this interest is the volume under review. The Civil Wars. A Military History of England, Scotland and Ireland, 1638-60, ed. [dagger]John Kenyon and Jane Ohlmeyer (Oxford: U.P., 1998; pp. xxiv + 390. 25 [pounds sterling]), was planned and organized by him. Unfortunately his premature death prevented him completing the task, which his former pupil (and distinguished Irish scholar) Jane Ohlmeyer has now done. Professor Geoffrey Parker supplies a personal and affectionate portrait of the man, and the volume is dedicated to him. It is a worthy offering. In the competitive field of scholarly yet readable textbooks on the civil wars in the three kingdoms, this will be a strong contender. The conflict once -- and still popularly -- known as the English Civil War is now firmly perceived as British, and this volume will take its place alongside other studies of the Atlantic archipelago in the period, associated with, for instance, John Morrill, here also one of the contributors. There are substantial core chapters on Scotland (Edward Furgol), Ireland (the editor) and England (Ian Gentles), which are admirably balanced and wide-ranging. There is a lengthy and detailed chronological table, which allows the reader to see what was happening in all areas at any one time. Additionally a distinguished list of other contributors covers a wide range of themes. The role of civilians is the subject of a stimulating chapter by Charles Carlton. Naval operations are briskly dealt with by Bernard Capp. Peter Edwards, who has successfully researched a number of European archives to uncover the foreign origins of the arms used by all sides, writes about logistics and supply. Sieges and siegecraft, often viewed as secondary to the clash of armies in the field, are given separate treatment in an excellent chapter co-authored by Ronald Hutton. In any assessment of the course of the internal strife of the mid-seventeenth century, and its consequences, the Scottish and Irish experiences will better illustrate the close involvement of all levels of society in the conflict, the enormous burden imposed on the economy, and the brutal character of the war itself, than any study of a less war-torn region such as the Home Counties. Although the conflicts lasted for a shorter period, and involved smaller numbers than the contemporary wars on the continent, it is striking how far the methods and practices of the larger conflict were duplicated in these islands. There was sufficient time for armies to adopt European innovations, and use them effectively; many of the armaments and some of the forces were continental in origin; destruction was widespread. The many pen portraits of the commanders on all sides suggest how comparable they were to leading figures abroad. Prince Rupert was of course viewed by Parliament as a typical German freebooter. In a volume dealing with so many diverse aspects of the wars in all three kingdoms there are bound to be some small complaints. If you cross the bridge at Rochester you do not find yourself in Essex (p. 152). The maps are not always adequate to the task of tracing the places mentioned in the text, and the index is far from comprehensive. If any one region might feel under-represented it is Wales -- perhaps its usual fate in Archipelago studies. But in general this volume is admirably readable, accurate and balanced, and will serve as an excellent and up-to-date guide to the findings of a range of eminent scholars on the subject.
Issued: June, 2000
