Wilson, Peter H.
Europe's Tragedy: A New History of the Thirty Years War
- ISBN 13:
- 9780141006147
- author:
- Wilson, Peter H.
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- Penguin
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2010
- Pages:
- 1024
- Dimensions:
- 19.8 x 12.8 x 5.2 cm
- Genre:
- European history
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 7 working days
Description
Europe's Tragedy: A New History of the Thirty Years War The Thirty Years War (1618-48) was a devastating conflict that ravaged Europe, killing an estimated quarter of the German population and leaving a trail of destruction that would take centuries to recover from. This complex and multifaceted war was fought on multiple fronts, with all major European powers involved, and its outcome was shaped by a tangled web of religious and political motivations. At its core, the war was a struggle for power and survival, with leaders on both sides willing to do whatever it took to achieve their goals. The war's principal actors, including Wallenstein, Ferdinand II, and Gustavus Adolphus, are well-documented, but it is the experiences of ordinary soldiers and civilians that provide a poignant reminder of the human cost of this conflict. The war's legacy continues to shape modern Europe, making it an essential study for anyone seeking to understand the continent's complex history. Peter Wilson's new history of the Thirty Years War is a masterful and engaging account that sheds new light on this pivotal period in European history.