David Womersley Bücher

The transformation of religious belief into political statements during the Reformation significantly impacted sixteenth-century English historiography and drama. The book examines how the political developments of the 1530s infused the national past with religious meaning, influencing works such as Shakespeare's history plays. It delves into the interplay between religion and politics, revealing how these themes shaped the portrayal of history and identity in this pivotal era.

'James was a king tragically trapped by principle. Yet was it wise to attempt to change the national religion?' The short reign of James II is generally seen as one of the most catastrophic in British history, ending in his exile after he unsuccessfully tried to convert England to Catholicism, a crisis that would haunt the monarchy for generations. Ultimately, David Womersley's biography shows, James was a man whose blindness to subtlety and political reality brought about his ruinous downfall.

Focusing on Edward Gibbon's The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, this analysis explores its dual nature as a literary masterpiece and historical account. David Womersley delves into Gibbon's narrative style, thematic depth, and the historical context that shaped this influential work, highlighting its significance in both literary and historical discourse. Through this examination, readers gain insight into Gibbon's contributions to our understanding of the Roman Empire's complexities and its enduring impact on literature and historiography.