Intelligence Squared The Death of a Monarch and a Divided Nation, with Robert Harris
Dec 7, 2022
In this engaging discussion, Robert Harris, acclaimed author of *Fatherland* and *Act of Oblivion*, delves into the intricate tensions of the English Civil War. He reveals how the conflicts between Royalists and Parliamentarians persist in today's political climate. Harris narrates the gripping tale of regicides fleeing to colonial America, intertwining themes of survival and morality. The conversation also touches on the legacy of the Restoration period, contrasting the pursuit of liberty in America and Britain, showcasing the historical influences that shape modern identities.
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Book's Origin
- Robert Harris discovered the topic of his book, Act of Oblivion, through a tweet about a 17th-century manhunt.
- He initially wanted to write about the manhunter, but since there wasn't one specific person, he created a fictional character.
Regicides' Fate
- The Act of Oblivion pardoned most involved in the English Civil War, except the regicides who killed Charles I.
- Some regicides who surrendered were imprisoned, while others were executed or hunted down.
America's Portrayal
- America, in Act of Oblivion, is portrayed as both physically and culturally distinct.
- The fledgling colonies, though founded on religious principles, pulsed with energy and greed, relying on the crown for protection.
