William III and the Godly Revolution
William III and the Godly Revolution
This is the first extensive account of royal propaganda in England between 1689 and 1702. It demonstrates that the regime of William III did not rely upon legal or constitutional rhetoric as it attempted to legitimate itself after the Glorious Revolution, but rather used a protestant, providential and biblically-based language of 'courtly reformation'. This language presented the king as a divinely-protected godly magistrate who could both defend the true church against its popish enemies, and restore the original piety and virtue of the elect English nation. Concentrating upon a range of hitherto understudied sources - especially sermons and public prayers - the book demonstrates the vigour with which these ideas were broadcast by an imaginative group of propagandists enabling the king to cope with central political difficulties - the need to attract support for wars with France and the need to work with Parliament.
- The first comprehensive examination of 'Williamite' ideology in England, 1689–1702
- Challenges the usual notion that political discourse of the period was mainly secular
- Explains how the English monarchy coped with the political and ideological problems caused by war
Reviews & endorsements
"Tony Claydon makes a substantial contribution to the study of political culture, particularly royal propaganda during William III's reign....this is an important analysis of royal ideology and the art of political persuasion; it is essential reading for all students of the Restoration." Melinda Zook, Albion
"Claydon's study is well documented; it relies heavily on many sermons and public prayers that have been ignored previously. Recommended highly..." Choice
"...a study which will certainly influence, from now on, the way we perceive this crucial episode in British history." Times Literary Supplement
"Claydon has penned an informative and enjoyable work directed at professional scholars and college students....the ambition behind this testifies to the broad scope of his historical vision." History
"This interesting, well-researched book on the religio-political propaganda and publicity campaign emanating from court divines during William III's reign deserves wide attention from students of British, Irish and American politics and religion....Clayton has provided a fresh interpretation of the religious ideologies of William III's reign, building on the work of other scholars, but forthrightly independent in crucial matters. William III and the Godly Revolution suggests a reinterpretation of the standard devaluation of the courtly reformers as lukewarm christians, but presents a less prejudiced picture of them as legitimate defenders of the faith." Frederick H. Shriver, Church History
"...this is an important analysis of royal ideology and the art of political persuasion; it is essential reading for all students of the Restoration." Albion
"Tony Claydon makes a substantial contribution to the study of political culture, particularly royal propaganda during William III's reign. Claydon is at his best when he is delineating the origins and meanings of the discursive positions chosen by the courtly reformers. This, in and of itself, is a major contribution to royalist ideology after the Restoration,.... Claydon's analysis of country sentiment...is also extremely valuable. ...it is essential reading for all students of the Restoration." Melinda Zook, Albion
"...his study is valuable for bringing to light the nuances of the Anglican argument employed in redefining the monarchy's role and power, preserving monarchical legitimacy, and shaping the identity of the English state." Marilyn Morris, Religious Studies Review
"Tony Claydon has written an ambitious and determined book....Claydon's vigorously argued text succeeds in helping us to see another layer of the political culture of the 1690's, and in the process he throws light on many current historiographical concerns--Pococian civic humanism and the Reformation of Manners movement among them--and reminds us of the need to look again at others--notably at the role of Mary. It also provides a reminder to politicians of the perils of claiming the moral high ground:`When I gave my voice to make the prince of Orange King,' lamented John Thompson, `I thought to have seen better times than these'(p. 213)." Colin Brooks, Jrnl of Modern History
Product details
February 1996Hardback
9780521473293
290 pages
229 × 152 × 21 mm
0.6kg
1 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Courtly reformation and the revolution of 1688/9
- 2. The resources for royal propaganda
- 3. The propagation of courtly reformation
- 4. Courtly reformation, the war, the English nation
- 5. Courtly reformation and the politics of party
- 6. Courtly reformation and country politics
- Conclusion.
