Kingship and Favoritism in the Spain of Philip III, 1598–1621
Kingship and Favoritism in the Spain of Philip III, 1598–1621
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The enthronement of Philip III of Spain (Philip II's son and heir) in 1598 also meant the rise to power of the duke of Lerma, the first of a series of European favourites/prime ministers who influenced greatly politics, government, court culture and the arts during the seventeenth century. This 2000 book analyses the contexts that explain the rise of Lerma, as well as discourses on kingship and favouritism, and governmental and institutional initiatives taken during Philip III's reign (1598–1621) - a key historical period for our understanding of early modern Spain. Although this book focuses on the reign of Philip III, it also addresses broader historiographical matters. How was power exercised in personal monarchies? What discourses were used to justify royal power? How was kingship publicly represented? How was favouritism conceptualized and legitimized? Was the effect of the rise of the favourite/prime minister upon the constitution of personal monarchies and on the political and ideological struggles?
- Provides a sophisticated analysis of the political discourses of the seventeenth century
- Documents, on the basis of massive archival research, the political career of the duke of Lerma, the first royal favourite/chief minister in early modern Europe
- Discusses and analyses key topics for the understanding of court life and political culture in seventeenth-century Spain
Reviews & endorsements
"Drawing upon extensive archival research and a mastery of relevant secondary materials, he carefully relates the contemporary literature to specific historical events that influenced Spain's foreign and domestic policies...superb volume...Every academic library should purchase it." Choice
"Feros has composed an elegantly written and thoroughly researched monogragh. He has skillfully bridged the gap that until recently detached political studies of sixteenth- century Sapin from those of the seventeenth century." Renaissance Quarterly
"His careful and exhaustive methodolgy...and his analysis of political discourse and patronage networks are most striking." Journal of Interdisciplinary History
"Feros's excellent study of the duke of Lerma's career offers a highly readable narrative that reexamines the major policies and changes in the functioning of the highest spheres of the royal government during Philip III's reign." American Historical Review
"This excellent study joins other recent revisionist analyses of a period hitherto overlooked or underestimated....this is a fine, important, and exciting bbok..." Sixteenth Century Journal
Product details
- Published: August 2000
- Format: Hardback
- ISBN: 9780521561136
- Length: 320 pages
- Dimensions: 229 × 152 × 22 mm
- Weight: 0.64kg
- Contains: 11 b/w illus.
- Availability: Available
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Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Part I. The Rising Stars: Introduction
- 1. The education of a king
- 2. The making of a favourite
- 3. Continuity or reform?
- Part II. The King's Valido: Introduction
- 4. The power of the king
- 5. In his image and likeness
- 6. The king's chief minister
- Part III. Monarchy in Action: Introduction
- 7. 'We need miracles'
- 8. A corrupt regime?
- 9. The regime's answer: peace and Catholicism
- Part IV: Reversal of Fortune: Introduction
- 10. Ideological confrontation and factional division
- 11. Fall from power
- 12. In search of culprits
- Epilogue: the end of the privado
- Bibliography
- Index.
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