Philip IV and the Government of Spain, 1621–1665 - Softcover

Stradling, R. A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521530555 ISBN 13: 9780521530552

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2002

Synopsis

This book concentrates on the political history of the reign of Philip IV, and the role of the king within it. Philip is kept near the forefront, and issues and events are often seen - if sometimes critically - from his viewpoint. It is, therefore, a work of revision and rehabilitation, representing an attempt (against all other extant accounts) to establish Philip IV as a positive figure, with an autonomous character and political identity. A secondary, supportive, intention is to demonstrate that after the fall of Olivares, the king ruled and governed without a favourite (valido). This is the central theme in the most detailed treatment of the second half of the reign available in any language. Reference is made throughout to Philip's own words and actions. At the same time, the Olivares period itself is approached from a new perspective, some issues being examined with the use of new material. Although not intended as a conventional biography, the book retains several characteristics of the form, in that it is a 'career-study', part thematic, part chronological. Philip IV is examined also in relation to the political writing of the age, and to his court and capital in Madrid.

About this title

Book Description:

This book concentrates on the political history of the reign of Philip IV, and the role of the king within it. Philip is kept near the forefront, and issues and events are often seen from his viewpoint. It is, therefore, a work of revision and rehabilitation, representing an attempt to establish Philip IV as a positive figure, with an autonomous character and political identity.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0521530555
• ISBN 13: 9780521530552
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 420