Taking a chronological approach, this volume offers an overview of the Sidneys across several generations. By analysing various individuals and their writings, this work offers a perspective, not only on the culture of English politics, but also on the self-perception and ambitions of a leading renaissance family.

In the fields of politics, culture and literature the Sidney family was undoubtedly one of the major players in early modern England. This study provides the first book-length examination of their importance to political and court life, both in supporting the monarchy and parliament and in exploring alternative modes of government. Drawing upon both historical and literary sources it offers an absorbing insight into the self-perceptions of a leading renaissance family and how they adapted to the vicissitudes of the sixteenth and seventeenth century world.

'This is the book we did not know we were waiting for... Brennan's book is one of the most important works in Sidney studies to have appeared in years. Rich, learned, informative and analytical, it leaves students of any or all of this remarkable family's members with a group portrait the Sidneys themselves would have recognized and appreciated.' Renaissance Quarterly 'Michael Brennan has widened the dimensions of Sidney scholarship. The Sidneys of Penshurst is a book for specialists, and its erudition reinforces the importance of understanding the Sidney family and the milieu they helped to forge.' Journal of British Studies '... Brennan provides a compelling story of aristocratic politics and society in early modern Britain.' Sixteenth Century Journal