Monk

Julian Stafford Corbett’s Monk is a biography of General George Monck 1st Duke of Albemarle a key military and political figure in 17th-century England. Monck played a crucial role in the English Civil War serving initially for the Royalists before joining Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarian forces where he became one of their most effective commanders. The book details his military leadership particularly in Ireland and Scotland and his strategic role in securing Cromwell’s rule.However Monck’s most significant achievement was his pivotal role in the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. Corbett explores how Monck commanding the army in Scotland skillfully maneuvered through the political instability following Cromwell’s death and ultimately facilitated the return of the monarchy with minimal bloodshed. Through detailed historical analysis Monk portrays its subject as a pragmatic and astute leader who prioritized stability over ideology. Corbett’s biography remains an essential resource for understanding both Monck’s legacy and the turbulent period of the English Civil War and Restoration.