In order to understand the English Revolution and Civil War we need to understand Puritanism. Using his consummate skill as a historian, Professor Hill suggests that there might have been non-theological reasons for supporting the Puritans, or for being a Puritan. He shows Puritanism as a living faith, answering the hopes and fears of yeomen and gentlemen, merchants and artisans. He looks at oath-taking, the Sabbath, bawdy courts and poor relief, and assesses the significance of the household (rather than the Parish) and the dignity of labour. He shows Puritanism in daily life, and the emergence of the seemingly paradoxical - the Puritan revolutionaries.