An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

144. The Trial of Charles I Part 2

January 28, 2022

Description

Tune in to hear the second part of The Rest Is History's take on the execution of Charles I and its aftermath. Charles I was executed 373 years ago to the day on 30th January. But was his killing...
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Books Referenced

Eikon Basilike

Author: Attributed to Charles I

Context:

Mentioned as a pamphlet/book published the morning of Charles I's execution, supposedly containing Charles's own reflections. Described as a 'runaway bestseller' that far exceeded parliamentarian attempts to counter it.

Eikonoklastes

Author: John Milton

Context:

Mentioned as Milton's published response to Eikon Basilike, described as an attempt to counter the royalist publication but noted as unable to 'compete in the bestseller stakes.'

Paradise Lost

Author: John Milton

Context:

Referenced in discussion of political and theological arguments following the trial, specifically Milton's ideas about freedoms going back to man's creation by God.

1066 and All That

Author: W.C. Sellar and R.J. Yeatman

Context:

Referenced humorously when discussing the claim that Charles I's head was chopped off and he wandered around the block for a few seconds - 'it's in 1066 and all that. So it must be true.'