Frank Kitson (1926–2024)

Oliver Cromwell is one of England's most famous soldiers yet his military career did not begin until he was 43. Even now, his reputation is disputed. A man with an enduringly evil status in Ireland, thanks to the hated Cromwellian Settlement, he is remembered as a hero in England for his final victory against the Scottish army in 1651. His legacy is his leadership of the New Model Army - grounded in planning, logistics and quick decision-making. Known for his lengthy consultations with the Almighty, Cromwell was capable of making snap decisions on the battlefield.
The book is quite accessible which is surprising considering the narrowness of its focus. The prose, while a little overwrought at times, is easy to read and understand and even the campaign details are presented in a way that is not tedious. It could be said that the focus on Cromwell's military growth is lost at times as Kitson places all his stock in original documents and evidence, neglecting to do analysis or interpretation. This is surprising considering the amounts of resources he utilized. Overall, I would rate the book highly however. While the regimental commander roll call and name dropping can grate the reader slightly, the topic is interesting and it is presented in a concise manner which is accessible to even the casual history buff.… (mere)