The Winter King: Frederick V of the Palatinate and the Coming of the Thirty Years' War

by Brennan C. Pursell

"The Winter King provides a compelling study into the causes of the Thirty Years' War. Examining the early stages of the war through the locus of Frederick, it reconciles the forces of confession, conscience and constitutionalism that affected Frederick's decision making at critical junctures throughout the crisis. By placing constitutionalism rather than religion at the centre of events, it offers a subtle yet convincing new account of the conflict." Drawing on political and personal correspondence, backed up with a wealth of archival and secondary sources. Dr. Pursell presents Frederick's choices and alternatives and interprets his words and responses to them. Considering the war from Frederick's perspective he argues convincingly that the war is best understood not simply as a struggle between Protestant and Catholic powers, but rather as an extended constitutional conflict, entwining religious and political factors, fought within the Holy Roman Empire.

Genres: History

356 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brennan C. Pursell provides an outstanding study of Count Frederick V of the Palatinate and the origins of the Thirty Years' War. Pursell stresses the political and imperial constitutional motivations behind Frederick V's acceptance of the Bohemian crown, and after White Mountain, his continual struggle against Ferdinand II and Habsburg designs against Bohemia and the Palatinate. Frederick failed to gain an effective Protestant alliance against the Habsburgs, since his father-in-law James I of England, Christian IV of Denmark, the Dutch Republic, and other Protestant states were unwilling to provide sufficient funds and troops to support Frederick's causes. Highly recommended reading.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Winter King: Frederick V of the Palatinate and the Coming of the Thirty Years' WarExcellent rendering of an event brimming with political intrigue. Impressed with Frederick's resolve during what must have been a very bleak position, and admired the author's fair assessment about the impact of his Calvinistic faith vs. his constitutional commitment. Author did a great job of navigating through the very large cast of characters.