English Political Culture in the Fifteenth Century

English Political Culture in the Fifteenth Century is a new and original study of how politics worked in late medieval England, throwing new light on a much-discussed period in English history. Michael Hicks explores the standards, values and principles that motivated contemporary politicians, and the aspirations and interests of both dukes and peasants alike. Hicks argues that the Wars of the Roses did not result from fundamental weaknesses in the political system but from the collision of exceptional circumstances that quickly passed away. Overall, he shows that the era was one of stability and harmony, and that there were effective mechanisms for keeping the peace. Structure and continuities, Hicks argues, were more prominent than change. "English Political Culture in the Fifteenth Century is a new and original study of how politics worked in late medieval England. It throws new light on a much-discussed period in English history. Michael Hicks explores the standards, values and principles that motivated contemporary politicians, and the aspirations and interests of both aristocracy and peasants alike." "Hicks argues that the Wars of the Roses did not result from fundamental weaknesses in the political system but from the collision of exceptional circumstances that quickly passed away. Overall, he shows that the era was one of stability and harmony, and that there were effective mechanisms for keeping the peace. Structure and continuities, Hicks argues, were more prominent than change." "Students and teachers of late medieval England will find this a key text in the area, as it covers a broad spectrum in a particularly focused way."--Jacket English Political Culture in the Fifteenth Century is a new and original study of how politics worked in late medieval England, throwing new light on a much-discussed period in English history. Michael Hicks explores the standards, values and principles that motivated contemporary politicians, and the aspirations and interests of both dukes and peasants alike.Hicks argues that the Wars of the Roses did not result from fundamental weaknesses in the political system but from the collision of exceptional circumstances that quickly passed away. Overall, he shows that the era was one of stability and harmony, and that there were effective mechanisms for keeping the peace. Structure and continuities, Hicks argues, were more prominent than change.Students and teachers of late medieval England will find this a key text to be studied in this area, as it covers a broad spectrum in a particularly focussed way.

English Political Culture in the Fifteenth Century is a new and original study of how politics worked in late medieval England, throwing new light on a much-discussed period in English history. Michael Hicks explores the standards, values and principles that motivated contemporary politicians, and the aspirations and interests of both dukes and peasants alike.

Hicks argues that the Wars of the Roses did not result from fundamental weaknesses in the political system but from the collision of exceptional circumstances that quickly passed away. Overall, he shows that the era was one of stability and harmony, and that there were effective mechanisms for keeping the peace. Structure and continuities, Hicks argues, were more prominent than change.

Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Contents......Page 5 Preface......Page 10 List of abbreviations......Page 13 Parameters......Page 20 Political culture: past political cultures......Page 22 Monarchy......Page 47 Aristocracy......Page 70 Class perspectives......Page 93 Government: central government......Page 111 Alternative perceptions......Page 135 Bastard feudalism......Page 160 Provincial communities: models of provincial society......Page 183 Interaction: centre and provinces......Page 200 Civil war: categories and causes......Page 223 Conclusion......Page 238 Notes......Page 240 Select bibliography......Page 261 Index......Page 270 Humanities Book Cover 1 Title 4 Contents 5 Preface 10 List of abbreviations 13 Parameters 20 Political culture: past political cultures 22 Monarchy 47 Aristocracy 70 Class perspectives 93 Government: central government 111 Alternative perceptions 135 Bastard feudalism 160 Provincial communities: models of provincial society 183 Interaction: centre and provinces 200 Civil war: categories and causes 223 Conclusion 238 Notes 240 Select bibliography 261 Index 270