Dynasty and Diplomacy in the Court of Savoy: Political Culture and the Thirty Years' War (Cambridge Studies in Italian History and Culture) [Hardcover]

Toby Osborne (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521652685 | ISBN-13: 978-0521652681 | Publication Date: January 20, 2003

History has been unkind to the House of Savoy during the Thirty Years' War, viewing it as a powerless puppet of Richelieu and Olivares. By contrast, this book examines the varied and powerful dynastic aspirations of Savoy through the career of its leading ambassador, Alessandro Scaglia (1592-1641). Scaglia was a court clan member who used diplomatic service, his expertise in the high arts, and his cosmopolitan network of friends to further Savoy's interests and those of his family.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Professor Osborne has done a splendid job..." Matthew G. C. Tornatore, Truman State University, Sixteenth Century Journal

"...impressive...Osborne has some insightful theories..." Renaissance Quarterly

"...a very useful contribution to our knowledge and understanding of the Savoyard state, its politics, and its diplomacy in the Thirty Years' War..." American Historical Review

"A pioneering book...a masterpiece of organization. Osborne says much and stimulates the reader to think about much more." Bibliotheque d'humanisme et Renaissance

"We can only applaud [this] striking new book. It makes us aware of both what we have missed in recent scholarship and what we can expect in the future from the pen of this talented historian." H-NET

Book Description

History has been unkind to Savoy during the Thirty Years' War, viewing it typically as a powerless puppet of Richelieu and Olivares. By contrast, this book examines the varied and powerful dynastic aspirations of the House of Savoy through the career of its leading ambassador, Alessandro Scaglia (1592 1641), raising wider questions about diplomatic service and court culture. Scaglia was a court clan member who used diplomatic service, his expertise in the high arts, and his cosmopolitan network of friends to further Savoy's interests together with those of his family.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 318 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521652685
• ISBN-13: 978-0521652681
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,017,874 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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