Review
"[A]n effective demonstration of the limits of imperial power and of the critical importance of finance in early modern politics and warfare...Tracy provides an extremely clear analysis of the relationship between money and military power in early modern Europe and a useful addition to the literature on Charles V." Michael J. Levin, University of Akron, Sixteenth Century Journal
"[Tracy's] study stands out as one of the few serious contributions made in any language during the past century to the study of Charles V within his European context. It is innovative, profoundly researched, wholly original, and generally reliable...It is difficult to exaggerate the value of this study." Renaissance Quarterly
"...it is an impressive discussion of sixteenth-century government in its most vulnerable state." History
"Rich in original information and shrewd in analysis, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in warfare during the Renaissance." The Journal of Military History
"...a judicious and balanced assessment of Charles's accomplishments. Recommended." Choice
Product Description
This book examines the three dimensions of European warfare, based on the campaigns of Emperor Charles V (1500-1558). Charles's role as commander-in-chief is evaluated by measuring his strategic aims. The process by which bankers took control of the finances of the Habsburg lands becomes clear from an examination of the source of the money to pay for Charles's campaigns. Finally, a comparison of the realms that provided most of Charles's revenues shows how some parliamentary bodies successfully pursued long-term local interests by exploiting the dynasty's need for money.
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