On the one hand, this is a super useful book whose little bios are fascinating.

On the other hand it is littered with mistakes (easily checked on wikipedia), false comparisons (ie mercy to a town that surrendered v massacre to one that did not, does not prove Ireton more merciful than Cromwell), and flat out prejudice. I very rarely write in books but I've littered this one with corrections and reactions. I think I was most irritated that despite describing the manner of the deaths of regicides who begged and pleaded at their trial, the brave manner in which Thomas Harrison faced his death (described in detail by Pepys) was entirely omitted. Apparently a 'fanatic' is not allowed his moment of glory.

Two issues run through: Hobson allows his anti Cromwellian position to cloud his judgement more than once; and he insists on framing anti-Catholicism as fanaticism and irrational. In 1640 most adults will have had grandparents or great grandparents who remembered the burnings and exiles under Mary.