"Vivid, entertaining, and engaging" -- H-Net "Ian Ward gives us a master-class in the writing of seventeenth-century legal and constitutional history and in the historiography of the downfall of Charles Stuart. The pacy style, rich use of contemporary sources, intricately interwoven, and some cliff-hangers, all make for an enthralling and penetrating read." -- N.M. Dawson, Professor Emeritus, Queen's University, Belfast, UK " The Trials of Charles I lies at the crossroads of law, art, literature, and social history. It is a fresco where the grand narrative of the Civil War is enriched by the pétites histoires of its protagonists. Ian Ward masters the cross-disciplinary implications of sixteenth-century English legal history." -- Matteo Nicolini, Associate Professor in Comparative Law, Verona University, Italy "Ian Ward has written a pacy and compelling account of one of the most pivotal moments in English constitutional history.

It will be enjoyed by scholars and general readers alike." -- Gary Watt, Professor of Law, University of Warwick, UK "This stimulating book charts a very persuasive course through the controversies surrounding Charles I's trial and execution in January 1649. In the process, it sheds a huge amount of light not only on the trial itself but also on the contested nature of Stuart monarchy and of Charles's posthumous reputation." -- David L. Smith Fellow and Director of Studies in History, Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, UK.