The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (1907–21).
Volume VII. Cavalier and Puritan.

VIII. Historical and Political Writings.

§ 7. The Earl of Strafford’s Letters.


In the reign of Charles I, few historical students will fail to turn to the letters of the great statesman by whom the king’s councils were guided in the most critical period of his rule. The Earl of Strafford’s Letters and Despatches, extending over the years 1611 to 1640, show forth a man who, though overwhelmed by the “violent hate” of a people refusing to be coerced into good government, thoroughly knew his own mind and could forgive his sovereign for not knowing his own.  22    15

Note 22. First published in 1739. See bibliography. [ back ]