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This is the first in a sequence of books which explores the history of The Baltic World and Northern Europe. In this period, Sweden was a major European power, occupying a central position in international politics. Her rise and decline, and the passing of regional hegemony to the new powers of Russia and Prussia, are central features in the book. Dr Kirby describes the evolving social and political systems of the principal Baltic states of the time, he gives the key events and processes in European history a new interest and freshness by showing them from the unfamiliar perspective of the northern world.
List of contents
List of maps Preface Part One: The Baltic at the End of the Middle Ages 1. The Baltic in the European Economy 2. Rulers and Ruled 3. The Decline of the Order Part Two: The Livonian Wars 4. New Currents 5. The Struggle for Dominion: The First Phase, 1558-1621 6. War and Society Part Three: Sweden as a Great Power 7. The Central European Wars, 1618-1679 8. The Military State 9. Trade and the Baltic Economy 10. Society and Culture in the Baroque Ages Part Four: The Rise of Russia 11. The Struggle for Dominion: The Final Phase 12. After Nystad: Politics and Diplomacy in the North 13. State and Society in the Age of Enlightenment 14. 1772 - the End of an Era? Select Bibliography Maps Table of Contemporary Rulers in the Baltic Lands 1500-1772 Index
About the author
David Kirby
Summary
The first of two volumes on the history of the Baltic world from the late Middle Ages to the present, this book covers the period from 1492 to 1772. The rise and fall of Sweden as the main power in this region dominates this work, as does the basic struggle against famine, disease and poverty.
