This is the second edition of Ronald Hutton's popular book on the unique period of history during which the British Isles were united under the rule of a republic, represented by a government and a series of Parliaments sitting at Westminster. It includes a new introductory section in which the author reviews the research undertaken into this period since the first edition appeared in 1990, and provides a personal and critical evaluation of it.About the Author: Ronald Hutton is Professor of History, Bristol University.