To understand the English (or Puritan) Revolution and Civil War, the struggles which tore England apart in the mid 17th century, one needs to understand Puritanism. This book cuts through the misconceptions to show Puritanism as a living faith answering the hopes and fears of yeomen and gentlemen, merchants and artisans. Professor Hill looks at all the major i ssues of the time - oath-taking and the Sabbath, bawdy courts and poor relief - and considers Puritan stress on the household (rather that the parish) and the dignity of labour. The author also wrote "The World Upside Down".