Spain, Europe and the Wider World 1500-1800

Description

When J. H. Elliott published Spain and Its World, 1500–1700 some twenty years ago, one of many enthusiasts declared, “For anyone interested in the history of empire, of Europe and of Spain, here is a book to keep within reach, to read, to study and to enjoy" (Times Literary Supplement). Since then Elliott has continued to explore the history of Spain and the Hispanic world with originality and insight, producing some of the most influential work in the field. In this new volume he gathers writings that reflect his recent research and thinking on politics, art, culture, and ideas in Europe and the colonial worlds between 1500 and 1800.   The volume includes fourteen essays, lectures, and articles of remarkable breadth and freshness, written with Elliott’s characteristic brio. It includes an unpublished lecture in honor of the late Hugh Trevor-Roper. Organized around three themes—early modern Europe, European overseas expansion, and the works and historical context of El Greco, Velázquez, Rubens, and Van Dyck—the book offers a rich survey of the themes at the heart of Elliott’s interests throughout a career distinguished by excellence and innovation. Contents Acknowledgements List Of Figures Preface Part I. Europe I. A Europe Of Composite Monarchies II. Learning From The Enemy: Early Modern Britain And Spain III. The General Crisis In Retrospect: A Debate Without End IV. A Non-Revolutionary Society: Castile In The 1640s V. Europe After The Peace Of Westphalia Part II. A Wider World VI. The Seizure Of Overseas Territories By The European Powers VII. Illusion And Disillusionment: Spain And The Indies VIII. Britain And Spain In America: Colonists And Colonised IX. King And Patria In The Hispanic World X. The Same World, Different Worlds XI. Starting Afresh? The Eclipse Of Empire In British And Spanish America Part III. The World Of Art XII. El Greco’s Mediterranean: The Encounter Of Civilisations XIII. Court Society In Seventeenth-Century Europe: Madrid, Brussels, London XIV. Appearance And Reality In The Spain Of Velazquez Index