The Power of Kings: Monarchy and Religion in Europe, 1589 -1715
This book describes the images of various monarchs in Europe (Russia, Sweden, Poland, the Holy Roman Empire, England, and France), showing how they presented themselves and how they were viewed by their subjects. Monod (history, Middlebury Coll.) uses paintings, sculpture, iconography, and even philosophical works to demonstrate that whereas at the beginning of this period the monarch himself was seen as invested with godlike powers, by the early 18th century the person holding that office was not necessarily seen as holy (though the office of the monarch might still be considered ordained by divine grace). Covering so many countries and so many media makes Monod's argument somewhat murky at times, but on the whole it is well presented. This specialized book is recommended for academic and graduate libraries.AJean E.S. Storrs, Enoch Pratt Free Lib., Catonsville, MDCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.