Overview

Charles II's escape after the Battle of Worcester in 1651 is an extraordinary tale of adventure and suspense. This new edition of Ollard's classic book vividly reconstructs the six weeks during which the King was on the run. His great determination and good humour through it all won the admiration of many who risked their lives to aid him. Tremendously readable, fast-paced and a fascinating view of life in seventeenth-century England.

Full Product Details

9781841195179

Table of Contents

Reviews

'A fascinating story. Mr Ollard has told it with admirable verve; he has drawn on innumerable sources; and he possesses a wry, detached humour, worthy of his principal subject' - Financial Times; 'Mr Ollard's fresh, compact and scholarly version is easily the best...' - J.P. Kenyon, Observer

Originally published in 1966, Ollard's book on the escape of King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651 covers the time between the closely fought battle and Charles's eventual escape to France, describing how the young King and a few loyal followers managed to evade the Roundheads searching the countryside for him. Ollar'd account is well researched, drawing on Samuel Pepys's record of Charles's reminiscences after the Restoration and the diaries of those involved, and has yet to superseded as a historical analysis. The stories about Charles hiding in an oak tree at Boscobel House and later dressing as a woman are well known, but Ollard brings them to life again with his vivid explanatory detail, and lets the reader feel the excitement and terror of Charles's hand-to-mouth existence fleeing across England in a variety of disguises, staying with loyal supporters but always aware that Cromwell's men could be round the corner. Ollard adds an extra dimension to the story by showing how Charles's experiences changed and matured him - only 21, he came to England an inexperienced youth, but his charm, resourcefulness and bravery were tested to the full in his adventures, and he returned to France a man. A brilliant and eminently readable piece of historical drama. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

Richard Ollard is the author of several books, including The Image of the King: Charles I and Charles II and Pepys: a biography.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available