Four princes
Subtitle: Henry VIII, Francis I, Charles V, Suleiman the magnificent and the obsessions that forged modern Europe
By: John Julius Norwich
Edition: First Grove Atlantic hardcover edition.
Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press
Published: 2017
Language: eng
Number of pages: 288
ISBN-13: 9780802126634
Subjects: Kings and rulers; Modern History; History
Other titles: Henry VIII, Francis I, Charles V, Suleiman the magnificent and the obsessions that forged modern Europe
Description: "John Julius Norwich--who the Wall Street Journal called "the very model of a popular historian"--has crafted a big, bold tapestry of the early sixteenth century, when Europe and the Middle East were overshadowed by a quartet of legendary rulers, all born within a ten-year period: Francis I of France, the personification of the Renaissance, who became a highly influential patron of the arts and education. Henry VIII, who was not expected to inherit the throne but embraced the role with gusto, broke with the Roman Catholic Church and appointed himself head of the Church of England. Charles V, the most powerful and industrious man at the time, was unanimously elected Holy Roman Emperor. Suleiman the Magnificent stood apart as a Muslim, and brought the Ottoman Empire to its apogee of political, military, and economic power. Against the vibrant background of the Renaissance, these four men laid the foundations for modern Europe and the Middle East. Their relations shifted dramatically, from hostile and competitive to friendly and supportive, while they collectively impacted the culture, religion, and politics of their respective domains. With remarkable expertise and flair, John Julius Norwich delves into this fascinating slice of world history, bringing the past to vivid life. His engaging, distinctive blend of erudition and brio indelibly portrays four dynamic characters, their incredible achievements, and the colorful surroundings in which they lived, while deftly examining the influence that each one had on the reigns of the others."--Provided by publisher.
Notes: "First published in Great Britain in 2016 by John Murray (Publishers), an imprint of Hachette UK"--Title page verso.

Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: The hollow of their hands; title: The flower and vigour of youth; title: All is lost, save honour; title: Enough, my son!; title: Like a brother to the Sultan; title: Noisome to our realm; title: A reasonable regret; title: Fray Carlos and "the drum of conquest"; title: Worth celebrating.