"The volume brings together twelve essays by Nicholas Tyacke about English Protestantism, which range from the Reformation itself, and the new market-place of ideas opened up, to the establishment of freedom of worship for Protestant nonconformists in 1689. Tyacke is best known for his interpretation of the religious origins of the English Civil war, as a struggle between Calvinists and Arminians, and three essays on this much-debated topic are included here. A further three essays are devoted to the history of Puritanism, where Tyacke identifies a radical tradition, running from the reign of Elizabeth I to that of Charles I, while voicing scepticism about alleged links with the rise of capitalism.

Other essays deal with Archbishop Laud, the theology of the Restoration Church, and the question of the relationship between religion and science. For this collection the author has written a substantial introduction, and updated essays by incorporating new research. The volume is intended for students and scholars interested in early modern English history."--Jacket.