Dynasty: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #617

by Jeroen Duindam

For thousands of years bloodlines have been held as virtually unassailable credentials for leadership, with supreme political power perceived as a family affair across the globe and throughout history. At the heart of royal dynasties, kings were inflated to superhuman proportions, yet their status came at a whilst they may have reigned, they were very often ruled by others who sheltered behind the ruler's proclaimed omnipotence. Descent through the female linealso occurred, subverting our common view of dynasty as built on father-son succession. Everywhere, women were important as mothers of boy-kings, and could even rule in their own right in some places.In this Very Short Introduction Jeroen Duindam connects the earliest history of kings and queens to contemporary examples of family-based leadership. His sweeping overview of five millennia of dynastic rule brings to light recurring predicaments of families on the throne. Examining persistent family conflict and the dilemmas of leadership, he shows how the challenge of governing the family was balanced by the necessity of family scions, close or distant, for the survival of dynasties.Tensions between ageing fathers and eager sons can be found among ancient kings as well as in modern business empires. Guidebooks for rulers throughout history provided counsel that will appear strikingly familiar to contemporary leaders. The thoughts and confessions of rulers added a more personal touch tothese rules of thumb. Throughout, Duindam sheds light not only on similarities, but also on divergence and change in dynastic practice.ABOUT THE The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2019

Reviews

[Adnamy]

Not what I expected. It rambled on about : Dynasties, royal families, chiefs, families etc in a shambolic way. Although interesting it was not ordered - like a conversation with a smiting academic. You know he knows & that he’s impressed with his knowledge & although you maybe you think this conversation is going on too long ….

[Александър Стоянов]

Prof. Duindam's book is a good overview of the main topics, which a scholar of dynastic history must look at in order to study and understand the intricate networks that dominated politics and social life during the age of empires and kingdoms. Building upon a substantial number of cases, Duindam tries to build a framework upon which further and more elaborate research can be carried out.
The book certainly has its flaws - namely it is a bit chaotic and lacks depth on some of the topics it touches upon. It wouldn't be that helpful for people lacking a broader understanding and knowledge of history so it is hardly an introduction and more like a guide. If,however,a person knows his way around the past, Duindam's book will open interesting topics and debates, which should lead the reader to a number of conclusions regarding the details of kingship.

[Carolyn Harris]

I'm amazed by how many concept about the history of dynasty and reigning families that Duindam was able to condense into this volume of the A Very Short Introduction series. This short book has a global scope, comparing approaches to dynasty, succession, women in power and royal households around the world. The final chapters are especially insightful, drawing comparisons between royal history and modern political families and family businesses. I look forward to reading Duindam's longer book on Dynasty in history.

[Taylor Swift Scholar]

This was better than I expected it to be, for such a broad topic. Duindam effectively synthesizes different types of dynasties. I particularly enjoyed a breakdown of different cultures' approaches to the danger posed by princes in dynastic systems.

[J Grimsey]

A good simple introduction but I not sure why.

[Leon van der Werf]

"A very readable book about how power structures work in various dynasties."

[Tobi ﾄﾋﾞ]

keeping into account the part of the title which specifies this is “a very short introduction”, this book is good. but it is really a VERY short introduction, i am giving it four stars because i know very little about dynasties, and this book did serve its purpose, as long as you accept that it is a VERY SHORT introduction.