This book is a biography by Theodore Roosevelt about the English Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell. Within this text, Roosevelt explains how Cromwell's rise to power was the first modern struggle for social, religious, and political freedom. Firstly he analyses the increasingly incompetent and tyrannical actions of the Stuart kings. Then, Roosevelt explores the Long Parliament and how Charles I's despotism forced the Members of Parliament to revolt. He then studies Charles s executed and, Finally, Roosevelt examines Cromwell's capacity as a soldier and leader in the Scotch and Irish campaigns. This biography examines a fascinating character who was pivotal in period of English history that has influenced the development of England as a world power. Roosevelt writes with a passion and wit alien to the work of many current historians, making this book an enjoyable must-read for students of history. This book is republished with a new biography of the author. "