Maria of Austria, Holy Roman Empress (1528-1603): Dynastic Networker

Maria of Austria was a powerful Renaissance Empress who controlled alternative spheres of power, and this book explores her life, actions, and management of domestic affairs. It traces her path from a Castilian orphan infanta to a devoted wife to her cousin Maximilian II, and her unique intertwining of roles and positions allows a fresh approach to female agency and the discussion of current issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Maria of Austria: A Renaissance Empress Unsung

Maria of Austria, one of the longest-surviving Renaissance Empresses, has received limited attention from biographers. This captivating book delves into her life, actions, and remarkable management of domestic affairs, serving as a chilling example of an Empress's control over various spheres of power. The volume follows the journey of a Castilian orphan infanta, raised amidst her mother's Portuguese ladies-in-waiting, and who spent thirty years of marriage between the imperial courts of Prague and Vienna. Empress Maria exemplifies the intricate dynamics of the Habsburgs, being devotedly married to her cousin Maximilian II while maintaining close communication with her father, Charles V, and brother, Philip II. Her unique blend of roles and positions offers a fresh perspective on female agency and addresses contemporary issues such as dynastic entente, the negotiation of discreet political roles for royal women, the reevaluation of informal diplomacy, and the establishment of dynastic networks alongside embassies.

The book is organized chronologically, with chapters discussing Empress Maria's roles as an infanta, regent, Empress, and a widow. It serves as an invaluable resource for scholars and students interested in the history of gender, court culture, and early modern Central Europe. By shedding light on Maria of Austria's life and achievements, this book contributes to a broader understanding of the complex and fascinating world of Renaissance Europe.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 172 x 252 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367646592