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jimbowen0306's review
4.0
This book was given to me as part of Amazon’s “First Reads” programme.
The book covers the period when Charles II tried to work with his father (briefly) to save the British Monarchy in the first Civil War, a more extended discussion of his 6 week return to England (from Scotland) to try and recover the monarchy for the Stewarts, and a brief summary of what happened when he finally did return.
The book’s cover describes the book as a “real life Bourne adventure”. This is only true inasmuch as this, and the Borne books involve words, and running about.
Now, I read a decent amount of biography and history, and have read a lot of books that read “this happened, then that happened, then the other happened.” Listy writing might be worse for short books, as they don’t have room to meander, and so stick to the facts. This book is short, but doesn’t feel like a facty list, which is good, though one or two of the better anecdotes do get repeated.
In short is you want a brief, but surprisingly engaging book about Charles II in the Civil War, you could do worse than this book, a lot worse.
The book covers the period when Charles II tried to work with his father (briefly) to save the British Monarchy in the first Civil War, a more extended discussion of his 6 week return to England (from Scotland) to try and recover the monarchy for the Stewarts, and a brief summary of what happened when he finally did return.
The book’s cover describes the book as a “real life Bourne adventure”. This is only true inasmuch as this, and the Borne books involve words, and running about.
Now, I read a decent amount of biography and history, and have read a lot of books that read “this happened, then that happened, then the other happened.” Listy writing might be worse for short books, as they don’t have room to meander, and so stick to the facts. This book is short, but doesn’t feel like a facty list, which is good, though one or two of the better anecdotes do get repeated.
In short is you want a brief, but surprisingly engaging book about Charles II in the Civil War, you could do worse than this book, a lot worse.
erikajay's review against another edition
4.0
I actually didn’t know much about Charles II’s time on the run in England after his father was beheaded.
Spencer does a good job of explaining the final days of Charles I, so it actually takes a little while before we get to Charles II’s escape, but I was fine with that. It is amazing to me how many close calls Charles had and how long he was able to be traipsing through the English countryside (in disguise, but he still moved around quite a bit) without getting caught.
Spencer also does a good job of examining his sources. He also gives us a very brief accounting of the rest of Charles’s life and the fates of those who helped him, which was a nice way to end this book.
Spencer does a good job of explaining the final days of Charles I, so it actually takes a little while before we get to Charles II’s escape, but I was fine with that. It is amazing to me how many close calls Charles had and how long he was able to be traipsing through the English countryside (in disguise, but he still moved around quite a bit) without getting caught.
Spencer also does a good job of examining his sources. He also gives us a very brief accounting of the rest of Charles’s life and the fates of those who helped him, which was a nice way to end this book.
8797999's review
5.0
Another excellent and enlightening read, a superb companion to the other book by Charles Spencer chronicling the revenge by Charles II over the murder of his father.
This book covers Charles II from his ill fated invasion of England via Scotland and his time spent on the run evading the Parliamentary forces over six weeks. Some amusing tales of the King sleeping in a tree (where Royal Oak pubs get their names) to dressing as a woodsman and trying not to stand out (common male heights being 5'6" to Charles' 6'2").
I dont think there can be spoilers given the book is about history but the book follows Charles and his return to the throne after the death of Cromwell and the lack of a succession following his tenure as Lord Protector. The nice bit is to see those who aided the King on his evasion get honours and rewards, what a thrill it must have been to be of assistance and in time see the efforts rewarded with the restoration of the monarchy.
The amusing reward was to a drunken man who chided Charles being a Roundhead get rewarded with a drinking cup.
As I said above a superb read and fantastic complement to the other book Killers of The King. I personally would read this one first given it covers the period before Charles II takes the throne and revenge on the regicides.
This book covers Charles II from his ill fated invasion of England via Scotland and his time spent on the run evading the Parliamentary forces over six weeks. Some amusing tales of the King sleeping in a tree (where Royal Oak pubs get their names) to dressing as a woodsman and trying not to stand out (common male heights being 5'6" to Charles' 6'2").
I dont think there can be spoilers given the book is about history but the book follows Charles and his return to the throne after the death of Cromwell and the lack of a succession following his tenure as Lord Protector. The nice bit is to see those who aided the King on his evasion get honours and rewards, what a thrill it must have been to be of assistance and in time see the efforts rewarded with the restoration of the monarchy.
The amusing reward was to a drunken man who chided Charles being a Roundhead get rewarded with a drinking cup.
As I said above a superb read and fantastic complement to the other book Killers of The King. I personally would read this one first given it covers the period before Charles II takes the throne and revenge on the regicides.
eric_conrad's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
This was an exciting account of a part of English history that prior to reading this book was only vaguely known to me Charles II certainly led an adventurous life. His six weeks on the run from his enemies was amazing to hear from those who helped him.
hrhaphrodite1's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
5.0
ilikemandos's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.5