Wiley-Blackwell Early Modern Europe: Issues and Interpretations

This reader brings together original and influential recent work in the field of early modern European history. Provides a thought-provoking overview of current thinking on this period. Key themes include evolving early-modern identities; changes in religion and cultural life; the revolution of the mind; roles of women in early-modern societies; the rise of the modern state; and Europe and the new world system Incorporates new scholarship on Eastern and Central Europe. Includes an article translated into English for the first time. Review "Collin and Taylor's anthology... will be a valuable resource in teaching the historiography of the early modern era." History<!--end-->“Touches on a wide range of methodologies … .Offers … a broadening of horizons beyond any specialty. Much undiscovered territory … much inspiration.” Sixteenth Century Journal From the Inside Flap This collection brings together original and influential recent work in the field of early modern European history. It provides a thought-provoking overview of current thinking on this period, demonstrating that history is a dynamic process of interpretation. The book is structured around six major themes: evolving early modern identities, treated within a global context; changes in religion and cultural life; the revolution of the mind; roles of women in early modern societies; the rise of the modern state; and research paradigms. Each of the six sections contains an introduction by the editors, discussing the significance of the topic and the history of its interpretation; five or six essays are then followed by a 'debate' juxtaposing two competing interpretations on a particular theme. Noteworthy features of the collection include an article translated into English for the first time and the incorporation of new scholarship on eastern and central Europe. From the Back Cover This collection brings together original and influential recent work in the field of early modern European history. It provides a thought-provoking overview of current thinking on this period, demonstrating that history is a dynamic process of interpretation. The book is structured around six major themes: evolving early modern identities, treated within a global context; changes in religion and cultural life; the revolution of the mind; roles of women in early modern societies; the rise of the modern state; and research paradigms. Each of the six sections contains an introduction by the editors, discussing the significance of the topic and the history of its interpretation; five or six essays are then followed by a 'debate' juxtaposing two competing interpretations on a particular theme. Noteworthy features of the collection include an article translated into English for the first time and the incorporation of new scholarship on eastern and central Europe. About the Author James B. Collins is Professor of History at Georgetown University, and Chair of the History Department. Karen L. Taylor is Lecturer in History at Georgetown University.