Includes bibliographical references and index.

Front Matter -- An Overview of Early Modern England -- The Back-Story of the Tudor Dynasty: From Richard II to Henry VII -- Henry VII, Henry VIII, and the Henrician Era (1509₆47) -- Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, and Mary I (1547₆53) -- The Elizabethan Era (1558₆1603) -- The Reign of King James VI/I (1603₆25) -- Charles I (1625₆42): From Accession to the Beginning of the Civil Wars -- The Civil Wars, the Commonwealth, and the Early Restoration (1642₆71) -- Index.

Machine generated contents note: Aims and Acknowledgements -- Quoting from Early Modern Texts -- Illustrations -- Rulers of England and Timeline of Key Events -- 1: An Overview of Early Modern England -- 2: The Back-Story of the Tudor Dynasty: From Richard II to Henry VII -- 3: Henry VII, Henry VIII, and the Henrician Era (1509-1547) -- 4: Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, and Mary I (1547-1553) -- 5: The Elizabethan Era (1558-1603) -- 6: The Reign of King James VI/I (1603-25) -- 7: Charles I (1625-1642): from Accession to the Beginning of the Civil Wars -- 8: The Civil Wars, the Commonwealth, and the Early Restoration (1642-1671).

"A Short History of Early Modern England presents the historical and cultural information necessary for a richer understanding of English Renaissance literature. Written in a clear and accessible style for an undergraduate level audience Gives an overview of the period's history as well as an understanding of the historiographic issues Explores key historical and literary events, from the Wars of the Roses to the publication of John Milton's Paradise Regained Features in depth explanations of key terms and concepts, such as absolutism and the Elizabethan Settlement "-- Provided by publisher.

"The English Renaissance produced some of the greatest literary works the world has ever known, from the Faerie Queene and Paradise Lost to Hamlet and Macbeth. A Short History of Early Modern England presents students with the crucial historical and cultural information necessary for a richer appreciation and deeper understanding of the literature produced in this period. Following an overview of England's political and social structures, subsequent chapters explore key historical and literary events, from the Wars of the Roses to the publication of John Milton's Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes, with particular attention to the major political and religious developments throughout this transformative era. Written in a clear and accessible style, this is the perfect text to help students familiarize themselves with this remarkable period in English literary history"-- Provided by publisher.

Electronic reproduction. Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley InterScience, 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web. System requirements: Web browser. Title from title screen (viewed on June 8, 2011). Access may be restricted to users at subscribing institutions.