Turncoats and Renegadoes

Main Themes and Topics

Turncoats and Renegadoes by Andrew Hopper delves into the intricate practice of side-changing during the English Civil Wars. This book is a comprehensive examination of how individuals switched allegiances in England, Wales, and comparative contexts from Scotland and Ireland. The initial chapters profile side-changers across different strata of society, including peers, Members of Parliament, army officers, and ordinary soldiers. The study then moves on to trace the chronological and geographical patterns of these defections. The latter part of the book delves into the cultural history of this phenomenon, analyzing the social and cultural ramifications that accompanied acts of treachery. Hopper highlights how both royalists and parliamentarians viewed side-changing with suspicion and yet capitalized on it strategically. This duality of revilement and utility paints a vivid picture of the complexities side-changers faced as they navigated loaning allegiances.

Writing Style and Tone

Andrew Hopper presents his research with a scholarly yet accessible tone, making complex historical events approachable for readers. His writing is characterized by clarity and attention to detail, effectively weaving together narratives from historical records with insightful analysis. The tone is predominantly analytical, yet engaging, as Hopper invites readers to reconsider preconceived notions about loyalty and betrayal during one of England's most turbulent times. His employment of thematic approaches to cultural history is particularly noteworthy, providing a nuanced understanding of the era's shifting allegiances.

Brief Summary

Turncoats and Renegadoes offers a dedicated exploration of the practice of changing sides during the English Civil Wars. Hopper broadens the scope of his study to include comparative aspects from the wider British Isles. The book reconstructs defection patterns geographically and chronologically, and investigates the social and cultural impacts of such actions. Key discussions involve how the concept of treachery was perceived and manipulated by both sides to their advantage while branding those who changed allegiances as 'turncoats' and 'renegadoes.' The text ultimately argues that side-changing was not merely due to the flawed morals of individuals, but was often a pragmatic choice in the face of rapid and unpredictable political shifts. The narrative connects the practice of side-changing to significant outcomes in the revolution, highlighting its contribution to consequential events like the regicide.