This book completes the study of the life and political thought of Algernon Sidney (1623–1688), which began with Algernon Sidney and the English Republic, 1623–1677 (1988). In the process it offers a reinterpretation of the major political crisis of Charles II's reign, and of its European and seventeenth-century contexts. Like its predecessor, the book spans the disciplines of intellectual and political history. Its twin focus is the last six years of Sidney's life, which culminated in the famous public drama of his trial and execution for treason in 1683, and in his major political work, the Discourses Concerning Government, which was used as evidence against him at the trial. This intertwining of events and ideas calls for an examination of the relationship between the practical and intellectual aspects of the crisis of 1678–1683 in general.

"...a stunning achievement. Scott delivers an almost tangible Sidney, and he creates a dramatic sense of immediacy about the personal and political crises of Sidney's turbulent life. Scott's Sidney is more of a philosopher, but no less a man of action--even violent action....Scott's work--poignant and epigrammatic--promises to become authoritative." American Historical Review

"...the virtues of Scott's study must be insisted upon. He has, more than anyone else, restored a major figure to our attention, sympathetically recounting his life, closely analyzing his work, and placing him in broad context." History

"This is intellectual biography of a high order; the result is a good read for both specialist and generalist." Thomas Rumsey, Religious Studies Review

"...a masterful study, written with pace, verve, and immense wit. The reader's interest is sustained throughout, despite the complex nature of the argument in places, and Sidney comes alive for us from the pages of this book--warts and all--which I found literally impossible to put down." Tim Harris, Journal of Modern History

"This excellent book takes us back to the foundation of historical research, the primary sources upon which Scott based his conclusions." Marcella Biro Barton, Church History