The Scramble for Italy: Continuity and Change in the Italian Wars, 1494-1559

The Scramble for Italy explores the trends of continuity and change in the Italian Wars of 1494-1559, highlighting the significance of this period as an intense period of warfare that drove forward social, political, and military developments. It demonstrates how the European nobility fashioned the Italian Wars into an aristocratic war, while military professionalization and privatization, accompanied by centralization and consolidation of political power, changed their world. The book also highlights the potential effects of gunpowder weapons and novel tactics and strategy on soldiers and intellectuals in the sixteenth century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Scramble for Italy delves into the intricate tapestry of conflicts known as the Italian Wars, spanning from 1494 to 1559. This captivating book seeks to unravel the trends of continuity and change that defined the sixteenth century, highlighting the profound significance of these wars as an intense period of warfare that propelled significant social, political, and military developments. Through a rich array of primary and secondary sources, the author vividly illustrates how the European nobility, deeply entrenched in knightly and chivalric ideals, transformed the Italian Wars into an aristocratic conflict reminiscent of bygone eras. Simultaneously, the rise of military professionalization and privatization, coupled with processes of centralization and consolidation of political power, reshaped the very fabric of their world. Moreover, the book endeavors to showcase that, despite ongoing debates on a purported military revolution in late medieval and early modern Europe, the soldiers and intellectuals of the sixteenth century were acutely aware and anxious about the potential ramifications of gunpowder weapons, novel tactics, and strategic approaches on their realm. This study holds immense value for scholars and general readers with a keen interest in the political and military history of late medieval and early modern Europe, offering valuable insights and perspectives.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367700607