ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that what constituted early modern radicalism was intrinsically conditioned by factors relating to time, place, author and context, as well as literary form. It focuses on an analysis of Royalist newspapers and pamphlets of the later 1640s, which challenge conventional notions regarding the nature of radical political thought and tactics after the end of the First Civil War in 1646. The chapter argues that in the particular circumstances of the late 1640s namely growing tension regarding the nature of the political settlement, growing assertiveness on the part of the New Model Army. It also argues that what appeared to be a permanent Parliament Royalists were prepared to develop new ideas and new political tactics in order to undermine their enemies. The chapter draws attention to particular works from among the huge range of anonymous and popular political pamphlets of the late 1640s which defy easy categorisation in terms of royalism and Parliamentarianism.
