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A Constellation of Courts

The Courts and Households of Habsburg Europe, 1555-1665

Dries Raeymaekers editor René Vermeir editor Jose Eloy Hortal Munoz editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Leuven University Press

Published:30th Oct '14

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

A Constellation of Courts cover

This volume focuses on the various Habsburg courts and households among the two branches of the dynasty that arose following the division of the territories originally held by Charles V. The authors trace the connections between these courtly communities regardless of their standing or composition, exposing the underlying network they formed. By cutting across the traditional division in the historiography between the Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs and also examining the roles played by the courts and households of lesser known members of the dynasty, this volume determines to what degree the organization followed a particular model and to what extent individuals were able to move between courts in pursuit of career opportunities and advancement. Contributors: Alejandro Lopez Alvarez (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid), Carlos Javier Carlos Morales (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid), Olivier Chaline (Universite Paris IV-Sorbonne), Alicia Esteban Estringana (Universidad de Alcala), Jose Eloy Hortal Munoz (Universidad Rey Juan Carlos), Birgit Houben (University of Antwerp), Katrin Keller (Universitat Wien), Jose Martinez Millan (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid), Manuel Rivero (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid), Astrid von Schlachta (Universitat Regensburg), Werner Thomas (KU Leuven)

That is not to deny the considerable value of this collection, not least in bringing some of the latest research on Habsburg Europe to an anglophone readership and in showing how that research might develop in the future. The collection's brief conclusion deliberately makes the case that this is in effect work in progress. By pointing out further directions for research, the editors remind us of the vitality of work on the Habsburgs as one of Europe's most powerful and dazzling dynasties, and of how much more there is to do.
Toby Osborne, English Historical Review (2016) 131 (552): 1147-1149. doi: 10.1093/ehr/cew206


In drawing attention to such deep structures of court life while acknowledging the flurry of politics, diplomacy and ceremonial, this collection makes an important contribution to our advancing understanding of the early modern court.
Steven Gunn, Tijdschrift voor Geschiedenis, Volume 129, Number 3, August 2016, pp. 447-500(54)

ISBN: 9789058679901

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 680g