The European Dynastic States, 1494-1660

by Richard Bonney

This is a study of Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries--a period of economic and cultural upheaval, of dramatic changes in politics, society, and religion, and of constant warring among the emergent states. Based on extensive research, this book covers such diverse themes as the Reformation, witchcraft, diplomacy, population structure, the growth of capitalism, wars of religion, and wars of expansion. Bonney also examines the Scandinavian countries and Russia, areas frequently neglected by historians.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World History, Reference

658 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Dr. Richard P. Bonney was an English historian and priest.

Bonney was appointed Lecturer in European History at the University of Reading in 1971 and Professor of Modern History at the University of Leicester in 1984, where he stayed until his retirment in 2006. He was the founder of the Society for the Study of French History in the UK and the founding Editor of its Journal, French History, between 1987 and 2001.

Bonney published numerous publications on French history and European fiscal history. His first book, a revision of his Ph.D. thesis, "Political Change in France under Richelieu and Mazarin, 1624-1661", was published in 1978.

In 1997, Bonney was ordained as a priest in the Church of England. His work focused on religious pluralism, and also on Jihad.

Bonner received his undergraduate degree and his Ph.D. from Oxford University.

Reviews

[Charles Cordell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good explanation of how the Hapsburg, Spanish, French, Baltic, English and Scottish states functioned in the 16th and 17th centuries - key to understanding their ideas of absolutism, court, administration and economy in a period of extraordinary turmoil and change.

[Christina]

Read a few sections, as this is more a textbook than anything else.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great overview of the grand political narrative of Europe, Russia and East-central Europe inclusive, during the incredibly important transitional period prior to Westphalia, et. al; a period in which family was everything and the personality of princes still drove policy. The information is clearly organized by region and dynasty. I still use this as a quick reference for this or that reign.