Emperor: A New Life of Charles V

A top historian has reinterpreted the life and reign of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, ruler of the world's first transatlantic empire, using vital new evidence. Parker's "epic, detailed, and vivid life" of the complex man and his empire is a masterpiece of scholarship, delivering an insightful view of the world through the emperor's eyes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 760 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2020
Publisher: Yale University Press

A renowned historian has unveiled a groundbreaking reinterpretation of the life and reign of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, the ruler of the world's first transatlantic empire. This captivating work of scholarship, penned in elegant and engaging prose, delves into the intricate details of this complex man and his vast empire. Drawing upon a vast array of documentary evidence, the author has crafted a masterpiece that spans an epic, detailed, and vivid narrative.

Selected as a book of the year (2020) by Simon Sebag Montefiore in Aspects of History magazine, this work offers a fresh perspective on Emperor Charles V's life, exploring the challenges and complexities that accompanied his rule. The author meticulously examines surviving written sources in Dutch, French, German, Italian, Latin, and Spanish, as well as visual and material evidence. Through meticulous analysis, Geoffrey Parker sheds light on the crucial decisions that shaped and preserved this vast empire, while also examining Charles' achievements within the broader context of personal and structural factors.

What sets this biography apart is its intimate exploration of the ruler's life, offering valuable insights into his character and inclinations. Parker meticulously scrutinizes the intimate details of Charles' life, seeking clues to his personality and motivations. The result is a unique and captivating portrait that offers a fresh perspective on the world during his reign.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking work of history is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of early modern Europe, the reign of Emperor Charles V, or the complexities of governing a transatlantic empire. With its profound scholarship, elegant prose, and intimate exploration of the ruler's life, it provides a rich and immersive experience that will leave readers captivated for years to come.

Weight: 856g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 60 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300254860