The Great Favourite: The Duke of Lerma and the Court and Government of Philip III of Spain, 1598-1621 (Studies in Early Modern European History) - Softcover

Patrick Williams

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0719081416 ISBN 13: 9780719081415

Publisher: Manchester University Press, 2009

Synopsis

The Duke of Lerma is the last major unknown statesman in modern European history. In this pioneering biography, Patrick Williams brings him dramatically to life and challenges many of the assumptions that historians have made about him and about Spanish history at a time of profound crisis. By placing Lerma firmly at the head of the procession of favourites that marked the European seventeenth century he invites a re-evaluation of the phenomenon of government by favourites in this seminal period of European history. Francisco Gómez de Sandoval, Duke of Lerma (1553-1625), served Philip III of Spain as his favourite and first minister for twenty years (1598-1618). His power dazzled contemporaries; indeed, one petitioner reportedly told Philip III that he had come to see him because I could not get an appointment with the Duke of Lerma . Within a decade of assuming office Lerma had raised his family from humiliating poverty into being by far the richest in Spain and had himself become the greatest patron of the arts in Europe in his generation. His use of power provoked intense debate in Spain about the nature of corruption in government. Intriguingly, Lerma remained deeply ambivalent about the power that he wielded with such assured brilliance, for throughout his adult life he was determined to follow a family tradition and retire from court into religious life to secure the salvation of his soul, finally achieving his ambition in 1617 when he secured a cardinalate. The great favourite ended his life as a prince of the Church.

About this title

Review:

..."can be helpful for advanced students of conflict and peace studies, international relations, applied psychology and philosophy..."--Radka Havlova, Journal of International Relations and Development
.,."can be helpful for advanced students of conflict and peace studies, international relations, applied psychology and philosophy..."--Radka Havlova, Journal of International Relations and Development

"The work of John Burton is overdue for the sort of assessment that Vayrynen provides. There is here not only a critique of conflict strategies, but a highly perceptive and imaginative enquiry into Burton's work, particularly his assumption of human needs, and a form of rationality." --Stephen Chan, Nottingham Trent University

About the Author:

Patrick Williams was formerly Professor of Spanish History at the University of Portsmouth

About this edition

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0719081416
• ISBN 13: 9780719081415
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 328