The Holy Roman Empire has always caused tremendous confusion for students of European history, and this book sets out to provide a clear account of this remarkable organisation - comparable in many ways only to the modern European Union - and its profound impact during its three centuries of existence.

A basic introduction to the interpretation of the Holy Roman Empire and its place in European history
Includes a new explanation of the political development of the Holy Roman Empire
Particular emphasis on the complex legal and military structure of the Empire, which is essential to understanding the Reformation and the Thirty Years War

Autorentext
PETER H. WILSON is Professor of History at the University of Hull, UK.

Zusammenfassung
Peter Wilson provides a concise yet comprehensive account of the Holy Roman Empire and its profound impact during its last three centuries of existence. Drawing on a wealth of research, the expanded new edition has been fully revised and updated throughout and now features a new chapter on 'Nation and Identity'.

Inhalt

A Note on References.- Editors' Preface.- Preface to the Second Edition.- Maps.- The Holy Roman Empire Explained.- Constitutional Development.- Key Institutions and Trends.- Nation and Identity.- Conclusions.- Appendix.- Select Bibliography.- Index.