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Emperor: The New Life of Charles V

Jay Simmons

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A sweeping and intimate portrait of one of the most powerful and enigmatic figures in history, Emperor: The New Life of Charles V tells the story of the man who ruled over a vast empire that spanned the globe. From his birth in Ghent to his death in a remote monastery in Spain, Charles's life was a constant struggle to maintain his authority and defend his faith.

Based on years of research and written with a novelist's eye for detail, Emperor brings to life the complex and contradictory character of Charles V. He was a devout Catholic who fought against the Protestant Reformation, a brilliant military strategist who suffered a series of humiliating defeats, and a ruthless politician who nonetheless yearned for peace. He was also a patron of the arts and sciences, a lover of music, and a collector of books.

Emperor: A New Life of Charles V

by Geoffrey Parker

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	62598 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	791 pages

Charles V was born in 1500 to Philip the Handsome, Duke of Burgundy, and Joanna the Mad, Queen of Castile. He inherited the Habsburg dominions in 1519, and the Spanish Empire in 1516. At the age of 19, he was elected Holy Roman Emperor, becoming the most powerful man in Europe.

Charles's reign was marked by a series of wars and rebellions. He fought against the French, the Ottomans, and the Protestants. He also faced a number of challenges from within his own empire, including the revolt of the Comuneros in Spain and the Schmalkaldic War in Germany.

Despite these challenges, Charles V managed to maintain his authority and expand his empire. He was a skilled diplomat and a determined warrior. He also had the support of a number of powerful allies, including his brother, Ferdinand I, and his cousin, Henry VIII of England.

In 1556, Charles V abdicated his throne and retired to a monastery in Spain. He died in 1558 at the age of 58.

Emperor: The New Life of Charles V is a fascinating and authoritative biography of one of the most important figures in European history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Holy Roman Empire, the Spanish Empire, or the Reformation.

Praise for Emperor: The New Life of Charles V

"A masterpiece of historical writing." - The New York Times

"A brilliant and engrossing portrait of one of the most fascinating figures in history." - The Wall Street Journal

"A must-read for anyone interested in the history of Europe." - The Economist

About the Author

Dr. Henry Kamen is a leading historian of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. He is the author of numerous books, including The Spanish Inquisition, Philip II of Spain, and The Rise of Toleration. Dr. Kamen is a Fellow of the British Academy and a member of the Spanish Royal Academy of History.