The European Nobility, 1400–1800

An authoritative and accessible survey of the European nobility over four centuries.

Jonathan Dewald (Author)

9780521425285, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 16 May 1996

232 pages, 7 b/w illus. 1 map
22.9 x 15.3 x 1.4 cm, 0.33 kg

'… a challenging new synthesis to explain the experience of the nobility of western Europe in the early modern era …'. English Historical Review

This book is the first comprehensive history of the European nobility between the Renaissance and the French Revolution. Designed to introduce students and non-specialists to the subject, it explains all the principal themes and problems in an authoritative and accessible manner. Professor Dewald surveys the changing numbers, self-perceptions, wealth, and political power of the European nobles, and explores their changing modes of life. Arguing against the conventional point of view, he maintains that the nobles of Europe adapted effectively to the profound changes that marked society and culture at this time. He also argues for the importance of Europe-wide patterns in the evolution of this dominant group; although different countries had different numbers of nobles and accorded them varying privileges, nobles everywhere faced essentially similar problems and responded to them in essentially similar ways.

Preface
Introduction: the European nobilities as an historical problem
1. Nature and numbers
2. Wealth, privilege and the encounter with change
3. Nobles and politics
4. Lives and cultures
Conclusion: toward a new society: the French Revolution and beyond
Suggestions for further reading.

Subject Areas: Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], European history [HBJD]