J H Merle D’Aubigne introduces his book: ‘Struck with the light thrown on the character and history of Cromwell by the various documents which have been issued from the press during the last few years, I felt a desire to publish in a Continental Review the result of my examination. But so great was the interest I found in my subject, that I have written a Book rather than an Article, and am now compelled to renounce my first intentions, and to lay this Historical Essay before the Public in the form of a distinct work.’