Society and Puritanism in Pre-revolutionary England

The author shows Puritanism as a living faith, answering the hopes and fears of all, yeomen and gentlemen alike. He looks at oath-taking and the Sabbath, bawdy courts and poor relief, and the dignity of labour, and he shows the emergence of the seemingly paradoxical, Puritan revolutionaries.

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In order to understand the English Revolution and Civil War we need to understand Puritanism. Professor Hill shows Puritanism as a living faith, answering the hopes and fears of yeomen and gentlemen, merchants and artisans. He looks at oath-taking and the Sabbath, bawdy courts and poor relief, and considers the household and dignity of labour. He shows Puritanism in daily life and the emergence of the seemingly paradoxical - the Puritan revolutionaries.