Literature of the Stuart Successions

This volume presents an anthology of primary material relating to the six Stuart successions (1603, 1625, 1660, 1685, 1688-9, 1702), which punctuated a turbulent and pivotal hundred years of British history. This period also included two accessions to the role of Lord Protector: those of Oliver and Richard Cromwell. Each succession generated an outpouring of publications in a wide range of forms and genres, including speeches, diary entries, news reports, letters and sermons. Above all, successions were marked by a wealth of poetry, by writers including Ben Jonson, Andrew Marvell, Aphra Behn and John Dryden. This important material reflects in fascinating ways upon both the particular moments of transition, and the contested and changing political values of the Stuart century.

By gathering together some of the very best Stuart succession writing, Literature of the Stuart successions offers new and enlightening perspectives on the history and culture of the period. It includes fifty texts (or extracts), selected to demonstrate the breadth and significance of succession writing. Additional material guides readers through the period and supports them in their engagement with particular pieces. The texts are modernised, and are preceded by a substantial general introduction, while each section has an additional introduction, and each text is preceded by a headnote. Textual annotation aims to explain and contextualise this rich and complex collection of material. Designed for use by students, Literature of the Stuart successions will also appeal to readers with a general interest in the Stuarts.