Overview
A luminous biography of one of the last century’s most influential historians
Christopher Hill was one of the leading historians of his generation. His work across more than fifteen books and dozens of articles fundamentally rewrote the way we understand the English Revolution and the development of the modern British state. While his career brought many of the trappings of establishment respectability — he was both a Fellow of the British Academy and the Master of Balliol College, Oxford — he was also seen as a threat to that very same establishment. Under surveillance by the security services for decades, in the 1980s Hill was publicly accused of having been a Soviet agent during the war. His was a Cold War life, as well as a scholarly one.
In this brilliant work of biography, Michael Braddick charts Hill's development from his abandonment of the respectable, provincial Methodism of his youth, through his embrace of Marxism, to his membership and eventual break with the Communist Party, as well as his celebrated intellectual career. While many of his books — not least the thrilling work of historical resurrection The World Turned Upside Down and God's Englishman, his classic biography of Oliver Cromwell — are still widely read and admired, his intellectual reputation was damaged by sustained academic criticism in the politically charged atmosphere of the 1980s.
Braddick’s judicious biography not only situates Hill’s life and work in their historical context but seeks to rescue Hill for a new generation of readers.
Christopher Hill was one of the leading historians of his generation. His work across more than fifteen books and dozens of articles fundamentally rewrote the way we understand the English Revolution and the development of the modern British state. While his career brought many of the trappings of establishment respectability — he was both a Fellow of the British Academy and the Master of Balliol College, Oxford — he was also seen as a threat to that very same establishment. Under surveillance by the security services for decades, in the 1980s Hill was publicly accused of having been a Soviet agent during the war. His was a Cold War life, as well as a scholarly one.
In this brilliant work of biography, Michael Braddick charts Hill's development from his abandonment of the respectable, provincial Methodism of his youth, through his embrace of Marxism, to his membership and eventual break with the Communist Party, as well as his celebrated intellectual career. While many of his books — not least the thrilling work of historical resurrection The World Turned Upside Down and God's Englishman, his classic biography of Oliver Cromwell — are still widely read and admired, his intellectual reputation was damaged by sustained academic criticism in the politically charged atmosphere of the 1980s.
Braddick’s judicious biography not only situates Hill’s life and work in their historical context but seeks to rescue Hill for a new generation of readers.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry Christopher Hill (The Life of a Radical Historian), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Christopher Hill (The Life of a Radical Historian).