Charles V

'Charles V: Duty and Dynasty' explores the life of 16th century Europe's most influential (but not best known) monarch. Charles' inheritance from the leading dynasties of Europe has never been equalled - by the age of 20 he was Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain (including its American colonies) and much of Italy, as well as ruler of the Low Countries of his birth. The book follows Charles' upbringing and education, his coming to power, his marriage and family life (made difficult by his almost constant travelling), and his dealings with individuals that loom large in history - Henry VIII, Medici popes, Martin Luther, Hernan Cortes, Titian. It investigates his character and his fundamental beliefs - what drove him on, what influenced his momentous decisions, the apparent contradictions, and why he abdicated to spend his last years in a small Spanish monastery.It also introduces the great issues of the day - the challenge to the Catholic Church, how monarchs could finance their ever increasing expenditure, the changing nature of warfare, and in particular the relations between Charles and his rival monarchs - Francis I, Henry VIII and Suleiman. These may be characterised as a kaleidoscope of alliances - sometimes with laudable aims, often involving duplicitous agreements and frequently resulting in an open disregard for what had been signed. It should appeal to all who are interested in the 16th century, in the life of a complex individual, or keen to learn lessons from the past.