Monarchism and absolutism in early modern Europe

The fourteen essays in this volume look at both the theory and practice of monarchical governments from the Thirty Years War up until the time of the French Revolution. Contributors aim to unravel the constructs of absolutism and monarchism, examining how the power and authority of monarchs was defined through contemporary politics and philosophy. Questions are asked as to whether it is possible to speak of a general political monarchist doctrine in early modern Europe, about the role of despotism, and the formation of national identities.