Diplomatic Intelligence on the Holy Roman Empire and Denmark during the Reigns of Elizabeth I and James VI
Three Treatises

Three accounts on the Holy Roman Empire and Denmark written by English and Scottish diplomats during the sixteenth century.

David Scott Gehring (Edited by)

9781107147980, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 July 2016

272 pages
22.4 x 14.5 x 2 cm, 0.46 kg

'Gehring's writing style is crisp and meticulous, and though he acknowledges existing scholarship in the field of diplomatic intelligence, he does not let this cloud his own analysis of the texts. This book is technically sound, and the author provides a fine historical study that poses and answers much-needed questions in the field of diplomatic intelligence studies … a critically astute study that is dense and methodical in its research, and clear in its argument.' Dannielle Shaw, European History Quarterly

This collection brings to light three accounts on the Holy Roman Empire and Denmark during the second half of the sixteenth century. Written by two Englishmen and one Scot, these works demonstrate the depth of diplomacy as carried out by highly specialized representatives, the complexity of politics in the Empire, and the volatile but crucial role played by religion in international relations during a period of conflict. The first treatise dates from 1569, when Queen Elizabeth and the Protestant Princes of Germany tried to form an alliance against Catholic powers, the second from 1588, when Denmark was adjusting to a regency government, the third from 1590, when King James VI sent his first embassy to Germany and Denmark after his marriage to Anna. This volume will be useful to scholars of Britain, Germany, and Denmark, as well as those interested in more general aspects of early modern diplomacy and religion.

Introduction
1. 'The state of Germany', 1569
2. 'A discourse […] of Denmarke', 1588
3. 'Ane account of ane embassie', 1590
Appendix. 'The tenn circles', 1569
Index.

Subject Areas: Diplomacy [JPSD], Religion & politics [HRAM2], Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], European history [HBJD], History [HB]