'Britain Turned Germany': the Thirty Years' War and Its Impact on the British Isles 1638-1660

Brief Summary

'Britain Turned Germany': the Thirty Years' War and Its Impact on the British Isles 1638-1660 by Serena Jones is a scholarly compilation of papers presented at the 2018 'Century of the Soldier Conference'. The book delves into the significant yet often overlooked influence that the Thirty Years' War, a profoundly transformative and tumultuous conflict in Central Europe, had on the British Isles. It covers the period from 1638 to 1660, a time of great upheaval in British history, offering a multifaceted exploration of political, military, and social changes that redefined the region during and after the war.

Main Themes and Topics

The book focuses on several key themes, primarily the intersection between the continental conflict of the Thirty Years' War and its ripple effects across the British Isles. These themes include the intricate political alliances and enmities that arose, the flow of military expertise and experience, and the resulting social and economic shifts. Each paper in the compilation provides insight into different aspects of how the war influenced British political thought, military practice, and even cultural narratives of the time. The collection is noteworthy for its in-depth examination of cross-channel relationships and the profound changes in national identity and governance brought about by the war's influence on British soil.

Writing Style and Tone

Serena Jones, through the curation of this compilation, presents the material in an academic yet accessible manner. The writing is clear and precise, reflecting the scholarly nature of the conference from which these papers originate, while maintaining an engaging tone that can appeal to both historians and general readers interested in military history and European studies. The book manages to balance detailed research with narrative storytelling, ensuring that even though the content is deeply analytical, it remains captivating and informative.

Criticism

One potential criticism of the book could be its focus on such a specific historical niche, which might limit its audience to those particularly interested in early modern European history or military studies. Additionally, as a compilation of conference papers, the volume may exhibit some variations in style and depth of analysis between different contributors, which might lead to an uneven reading experience for some.