The New Model Army
In England, Ireland and Scotland, 1645 - 1653
1. Edition January 1994
604 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
The New Model Army was one of the most formidable fighting forces
ever assembled. Taking his evidence from contemporary sources, Ian
Gentles describes its formation under Thomas Fairfax and Oliver
Cromwell, their innovative tactics, the course of its decisive
victories over the forces of Charles I, and its ferociously
successful campaigns against the Scots and the Irish. As
importantly, he examines the motivations and aspirations of the
soldiers and their officers.
The question of how far the New Model was a revolutionary army and
how far a body of men whose religious passion was manipulated for
the pragmatic, personal, or even conservative aims of its leaders
is one that has occupied the minds of historians for three
centuries. Ian Gentles provides a convincing resolution of this
debate, raising new evidence to support his argument.
List of Illustrations.
Foreword.
1. The Founding of the New Model Army.
2. Recruitment, Provisioning and Pay.
3. Victory in Battle, 1645-1646.
4. The Importance of Religion.
5. The Army and the People.
6. The Political Wars, 1646-1648: From the King's Surrender to
the Assault on Parliament.
7. The Political Wars, 1646-1648: From the Occupation of London
to the Second Civil War.
8. The Second Civil War.
9. Revolution at Westminster.
10. The Army and the Levellers.
11. The Conquest of Ireland.
12. The Conquest of Scotland.
13. The Army and the Expulsion of the Rump Parliament.
Epilogue.
Abbreviations.
Notes.
Index.
creation and early years of the army obsolete." The Times
"A meticulously researched book which will supersede all
previous work on the New Model Army." Times Literary
Supplement
"The publication of Ian Gentles's account of the New Model Army
is an event of major importance in civil war studies. His book is
awesomely well researched. What emerges is a very fine work
indeed." Economic History Review
"... an outstanding teaching tool... an excellent survey of the
army that won the civil war. The clarity of Gentles' prose, and his
ability to make sense of a profoundly chaotic period, ensure that
this reviewer's students will find the paperback on the required
reading list next term." Reviews of Books