Gustavus Adolphus, Sweden and the Thirty Years War, 1630 1632

Gustavus Adophus, king of Sweden, was a key military commander in the Thirty Years War, winning a decisive victory at the Battle of Breitenfeld and conquering large parts of Germany. Lars Ericson Wolke's book provides a valuable insight into his career, setting him in the context of Swedish and European dynastic politics and religious conflict.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Gustavus Adolphus, the king of Sweden, emerged as one of the most influential military leaders of the early seventeenth century during the turbulent Thirty Years War. Within a span of just two years, from 1630 to 1632, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in the course of the war, securing a decisive victory at the Battle of Breitenfeld and conquering significant portions of Germany. However, in English, Gustavus has received relatively limited attention, and no comprehensive account of his extraordinary career has been published in recent times. This is where Lars Ericson Wolke's insightful and scholarly study comes to the forefront.

The book contextualizes Gustavus within the broader realm of Swedish and European dynastic politics and religious conflict during the early seventeenth century. It delves into the intricate details of Swedish military organization and Gustavus's transformative reforms. The book provides a comprehensive account of Gustavus's intervention in the Thirty Years War, detailing his decision to intervene, his alliance with France, his extensive campaigns across Germany, and his exceptional generalship during the two major battles he fought there. Gustavus's exceptional skill as a battlefield commander played a pivotal role in turning the tide of the conflict in favor of the Protestant side. His leadership and strategic prowess established him as a prominent European figure before his untimely death on the battlefield.

Lars Ericson Wolke, a renowned expert in the military history of the Baltic region and the Thirty Years War, offers a captivating perspective on Gustavus the man and the soldier. Through his meticulous research and analysis, Wolke sheds light on the complexities of Gustavus's character, his military strategies, and his enduring legacy. The book provides a valuable addition to the literature on the Thirty Years War and offers insights into the broader historical context of the early seventeenth century. It is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, European politics, and the fascinating life of Gustavus Adolphus.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 165 x 240 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526749598