Elite Women and the Italian Wars, 1494–1559

The Element expands the ways in which the authors think about women's participation in early modern war and politics.

Susan Broomhall (Author), Carolyn James (Author)

9781009462686, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 11 April 2024

78 pages
23.5 x 15.9 x 1.1 cm, 0.26 kg

The Element analyses the critical importance of elite women to the conflict conventionally known as the Italian Wars that engulfed much of Europe and the Mediterranean between 1494 and 1559. Through its considered attention to the interventions of women connected to imperial, royal and princely dynasties, the authors show the breadth and depth of the opportunities, roles, impact, and influence that certain women had to shape the course of the conflict in both wartime activities and in peace-making. The work thus expands the ways in which the authors can think about women's participation in war and politics. It makes use of a wide range of sources such as literature, art and material culture, as well as more conventional text forms. Women's voices and actions are prioritized in making sense of evidence and claims about their activities.

Introduction
1. Managing War: women in the Habsburg dynastic business
2. Staging War: Women producing Valois masculinity
3. Surviving War: the political work of Italian princely consorts
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: European history [HBJD]