Imprudent King

A New Life of Philip II

Nonfiction, History, Spain & Portugal, Biography & Memoir, Royalty, Modern
Cover of the book Imprudent King by Geoffrey Parker, Yale University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Geoffrey Parker ISBN: 9780300210446
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: November 11, 2014
Imprint: Yale University Press Language: English
Author: Geoffrey Parker
ISBN: 9780300210446
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: November 11, 2014
Imprint: Yale University Press
Language: English

Philip II is not only the most famous king in Spanish history, but one of the most famous monarchs in English history: the man who married Mary Tudor and later launched the Spanish Armada against her sister Elizabeth I. This compelling biography of the most powerful European monarch of his day begins with his conception (1526) and ends with his ascent to Paradise (1603), two occurrences surprisingly well documented by contemporaries. Eminent historian Geoffrey Parker draws on four decades of research on Philip as well as a recent, extraordinary archival discovery—a trove of 3,000 documents in the vaults of the Hispanic Society of America in New York City, unread since crossing Philip’s own desk more than four centuries ago. Many of them change significantly what we know about the king.

The book examines Philip’s long apprenticeship; his three principal interests (work, play, and religion); and the major political, military, and personal challenges he faced during his long reign. Parker offers fresh insights into the causes of Philip’s leadership failures: was his empire simply too big to manage, or would a monarch with different talents and temperament have fared better?

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Philip II is not only the most famous king in Spanish history, but one of the most famous monarchs in English history: the man who married Mary Tudor and later launched the Spanish Armada against her sister Elizabeth I. This compelling biography of the most powerful European monarch of his day begins with his conception (1526) and ends with his ascent to Paradise (1603), two occurrences surprisingly well documented by contemporaries. Eminent historian Geoffrey Parker draws on four decades of research on Philip as well as a recent, extraordinary archival discovery—a trove of 3,000 documents in the vaults of the Hispanic Society of America in New York City, unread since crossing Philip’s own desk more than four centuries ago. Many of them change significantly what we know about the king.

The book examines Philip’s long apprenticeship; his three principal interests (work, play, and religion); and the major political, military, and personal challenges he faced during his long reign. Parker offers fresh insights into the causes of Philip’s leadership failures: was his empire simply too big to manage, or would a monarch with different talents and temperament have fared better?

More books from Yale University Press

Cover of the book Divorce by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book Frankly, My Dear: "Gone with the Wind" Revisited by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book Family Romance, Family Secrets by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book The App Generation by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book Europe's Deadlock by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book The CIA and American Democracy by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book Meister Eckhart by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book Practicing Stalinism by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book The Genesis of Roman Architecture by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book Family Politics by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book Broken Bargain by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book King Arthur by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book The Art of Peacemaking by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book Fortunes of History by Geoffrey Parker
Cover of the book The Peacekeeping Economy by Geoffrey Parker
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy