Turin and the British in the Age of the Grand Tour

The Duchy of Savoy sought royal status and was eventually crowned King of Sicily in 1713, supported by the British Kingdom due to shared dynastic, political, cultural, and commercial interests. This led to a cultural cosmopolitanism conflagration in early modern Europe, with British diplomats and visitors interacting with the Turinese.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 515 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Duchy of Savoy, a noble lineage with royal aspirations, first asserted its claim to the throne in the seventeenth century. However, it was not until 1713 that Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy ({PHONE}), was crowned King of Sicily. The pivotal events of the Peace of Utrecht (1713) sanctioned a decades-long project pursued by the Duchy, navigating the intricate web of political alliances between foreign powers. Among these, the British Kingdom stood as a steadfast advocate, driven by complementary dynastic, political, cultural, and commercial interests. A remarkable exchange unfolded between British diplomats and visitors to the Savoy capital during this fertile period. A steady stream of travelers, including British emissaries and envoys stationed at the court, coincided with the itineraries of the international Grand Tour, transforming the capital into a gateway to Italy. This convergence led to a confluence of cultural cosmopolitanism in early modern Europe, marking a significant chapter in the history of the region.

Weight: 880g
Dimension: 170 x 243 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316602133