Revolution Principles: The Politics of Party 1689–1720 by J. P. Kenyon – A Standard Account of British Political History

Introduction

Discover a seminal work of political history with J. P. Kenyon's Revolution Principles: The Politics of Party 1689–1720: 1975-6. This hardcover edition from Cambridge University Press offers a penetrating analysis of a transformative period in British politics, from the Glorious Revolution to the early eighteenth century. For Indian students and scholars of history, political science, and constitutional studies, this book provides essential insights into the birth of modern party politics and the evolution of parliamentary sovereignty.

Book Overview

Originally delivered as the prestigious Ford Lectures at Oxford University in 1976, this classic study examines the tumultuous decades following the Revolution of 1688. Kenyon explores how political obligation was redefined, how annual parliaments became a new norm, and how Britain waged its most ambitious wars while parties slowly emerged from a landscape of suspicion and conflict. This reissue includes a new preface by the author, reflecting on the book's enduring relevance in light of recent historiography.

Key Highlights

• Authoritative Ford Lectures: Based on a renowned lecture series at Oxford, offering deep academic rigour.
• New Preface: Updated insights from J. P. Kenyon engaging with modern scholarship.
• Critical Period: Covers 1689–1720, a foundational era for British and global political systems.
• Hardcover Edition: Durable binding for long-term reference and library use.
• Cambridge University Press: Published by one of the world's oldest and most respected academic publishers.

Inside the Book

The book systematically unpacks the complexities of party politics, the shifting nature of loyalty, and the struggle between Crown and Parliament. Kenyon draws on a wealth of primary sources, including pamphlets, speeches, and correspondence, to reconstruct the ideas and conflicts that shaped early modern Britain. The narrative is both rigorous and accessible, making it a valuable resource for advanced students and researchers alike.

Key Topics

• The ideological impact of the Glorious Revolution on political obligation
• The emergence of Whig and Tory parties in a hostile environment
• The role of annual parliaments in reshaping governance
• War, finance, and the state: the fiscal-military revolution
• Contested notions of sovereignty, resistance, and legitimacy
• The evolution of political language and propaganda

Reader Benefits

• Deepen historical understanding: Grasp the roots of modern parliamentary democracy.
• Enhance academic writing: Gain models of argumentation and evidence use from a master historian.
• Prepare for exams: Ideal for postgraduate and advanced undergraduate courses in British history.
• Expand perspective: Understand how early party systems influenced colonial and post-colonial politics, including India's own parliamentary traditions.

Learning Outcomes

By reading this book, you will be able to: analyse the transformation of political thought after 1688; evaluate the role of parties in early constitutional development; connect domestic politics with Britain's expanding global role; and critically assess historiographical debates about the long eighteenth century.

Who Should Read

• History students specialising in early modern Britain or European politics.
• Political science scholars studying the origins of party systems and constitutionalism.
• Researchers in colonial and post-colonial studies interested in British imperial foundations.
• Library collections at universities, colleges, and research institutions across India.

About the Author

J. P. Kenyon (1927–1996) was a distinguished British historian and professor of history at the University of Hull. He was a leading authority on seventeenth-century British politics and wrote several influential works, including The Stuart Constitution and The Popish Plot. His Ford Lectures remain a benchmark for scholarship on the post-Revolution period.

About the Publisher

Cambridge University Press, founded in 1534, is a world-leading academic publisher known for its rigorous peer review and high-quality scholarly books. This hardcover edition reflects their commitment to preserving and disseminating important historical research for generations of readers.

Conclusion

Revolution Principles: The Politics of Party 1689–1720: 1975-6 is an indispensable resource for anyone serious about understanding the birth of modern politics. Whether you are a student, teacher, or lifelong learner, J. P. Kenyon's masterful analysis will enrich your knowledge of a pivotal era. Order your copy from Bookshops.in today and add a cornerstone of historical scholarship to your library.