The European Nobility, 1400 - 1800

New Approaches to European History #9

by Jonathan Dewald

This book is the first comprehensive history of the European nobility between the Renaissance and the French Revolution. Designed to introduce students and nonspecialists to the subject, it explains all the principal themes in an authoritative and accessible manner. Challenging the conventional point of view, Professor Dewald maintains that the nobles of Europe adapted effectively to the profound changes that marked society and culture at this time. He also argues that the nobility throughout Europe faced the same challenges and reacted to them in similar ways, despite their varying numbers and privileges.

Genres: History, European History

232 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 1996

Reviews

[Ebenmaessiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

exactly what you'd want from one of these thematic overviews, dually a state-of-the-field snapshot and concise survey of the subject.

[Michael Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike the two systematic studies by Michael Bush, to which he refers approvingly, Dewald offers an extended interpretative essay, the theme of which is the evolution of the Continental nobility (or aristocracy — he regards the terms as overlapping but distinct in meaning) during the four centuries between the end of the Middle Ages and the arrival of the French Revolution. Though small in absolute numbers, the nobility controlled most of the land and all of the politics on the Continent until well into the 19th century, and the author maintains that they managed to do this despite wars, revolutions, and the coming of modern industry because they were very effective in adapting to the changes around them. He also argues that from one country and culture to the next, nobles faced similar problems and responded to them in very similar ways. Intended as an introductory text on the subject, this is an excellent historical survey for the beginning student.

[Philippe Bogdanoff]

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