Only quite recently has the nobility become a focus of social history. Heinz Reif, the pioneer and dean of German nobility research, analyzes the functions of the nobility in terms of rule, property, self-presentation, political power, and adaptability. In addition, the essays collected in this volume discuss broader questions in modern research on elites.

Autorentext

Heinz Reif, Center for Metropolitan Studies, Technische Universität Berlin.