Alterations of State

Discover the intricate relationship between kingship and royalty during the English Reformation in Alterations of State by McCoy. Published by Columbia University Press in 2002, this thought-provoking hardback spans 192 pages and delves into the works of influential writers such as John Skelton, Shakespeare, John Milton, and Andrew Marvell. McCoy expertly analyzes how these literary figures grappled with the concept of monarchy, exploring its tangible presence and figurative significance. As England faced the challenges of the turbulent seventeenth century, the author reveals how religious devotion to the royal person intensified, becoming both more acute and increasingly problematic. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the interplay of literature, politics, and religion during a pivotal period in English history.