David Cressy Knihy

From childbirth and baptism through to courtship, weddings, and funerals, every stage in the lifecycle of Tudor and Stuart England was accompanied by ritual. Even under the Protestantism of the reformed Church, the spiritual and social dramas of birth, marriage, and death were graced with elaborate ceremony. Powerful and controversial protocols were in operation, shaped and altered by the influences of the Reformation, the Revolution, and the Restoration. Each of the major rituals was potentially an arena for argument, ambiguity, and dissent. Ideally, as classic rites of passage, these ceremonies worked to bring people together. But they also set up traps into which people could stumble, and tests which not everybody could pass. In practice, ritual performance revealed frictions and fractures that everyday local discourse attempted to hide or to heal. Using fascinating first-hand evidence, David Cressy shows how the making and remaking of ritual formed part of a continuing debate, sometimes strained and occasionally acrimonious, which exposed the raw nerves of society in the midst of great historical events. In doing so, he vividly brings to life the common experiences of living and dying in Tudor and Stuart England.

The story of Gypsies in England, from their first appearance in early Tudor times to the present day. A book that disentangles the rich and sometimes lurid myth from the everyday reality of Gypsy life over more than half a millennium of English history.

The collapse of Charles I's government and the ensuing civil war are examined through the lens of 1640-1642, highlighting the disintegration of the established church and societal panic. This narrative includes a diverse array of individuals often overlooked in traditional histories, presenting a broader drama that extends beyond the conflict between the king and parliament, revealing the complex social dynamics of the period.

Traces free speech across five centuries of popular political culture, and shows how scandalous, seditious and treasonable talk finally gained protection as 'the birthright of an Englishman'.

A timely republication of a book about the monarch... It mines a very broad range of archival and printed sources. Jaine Blackman, Oxford Times

Exploring the rituals of childbirth, baptism, courtship, weddings, and funerals in England from 1500 to 1700, the book utilizes first-hand evidence to illustrate how these practices evolved due to the Reformation, Revolution, and Restoration. It offers a vivid portrayal of life during the Tudor and Stuart periods, making it essential reading for those interested in the grassroots aspects of historical change.

Delving into the social dynamics of pre-industrial England, this work examines how reading and writing were influenced by class, gender, and community interactions. It highlights the roles of literacy in shaping societal structures and personal identities, revealing the intricate relationships between authors, texts, and their audiences. Through historical analysis, the book uncovers the significance of written communication in everyday life and its impact on cultural development during this period.

Focusing on the English migration to New England during the seventeenth century, this book explores the motivations, experiences, and challenges faced by settlers. It delves into the social, economic, and religious factors that prompted this significant movement, providing insights into the cultural impact and legacy of the migrants. Through detailed accounts and analysis, it highlights the transformative effects of this migration on both the settlers and the indigenous populations.

Focusing on community dynamics and legal frameworks, this work delves into the social history of seafaring from Elizabeth I to George II. It explores the political landscape of coastlines, the economic practices surrounding scavenging shipwrecks, and the legal implications of the 'wreck of the sea.' Through these themes, the book offers a nuanced understanding of maritime life and its impact on society during the early modern period.