The Early Vasas: A History of Sweden 1523-1611

by Michael Roberts

This comprehensive history of sixteenth-century Sweden has remained a standard work for English-speaking historians since its publication in 1968. It is now available in paperback for the first time. The book includes a full account of the reign of Gustav Vasa (1523 60), one of the greatest rulers of his age, and of the half-century after his death that paved the way for Sweden's emergence as a great power. Professor Roberts provides an account of the course of the Swedish Reformation: he analyses those trans-Baltic entanglements which were to assume such importance, both for Sweden and for Europe, in the next century; and he pays particular attention to the constitutional controversies which reached their climax, though not their end, with the deposition of King Sigismund and the 'Bloodbath of Linkoping'."

Genres: History, Sweden

532 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 1968

About the author

Michael Roberts (1908 - 1996) was an English historian specializing in the early modern period. He was particularly known for his studies of Swedish history, and his introduction of the concept of a Military Revolution in early modern Europe.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael...

Reviews

[Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have read all year. Anyone who might wonder where George Martin gets all his ideas for Game of Thrones should look no further. The early Vasas features mad kings (two in fact), wars, rebellions, grasping nobles, vindictive widows, and a highly disfunctional royal family at the center of everything. The book follows the fortunes of Gustavus I, who led a rebellion against mad king Christian II of Denmark and won independence for Sweden. Initially insular, Gustavus loved money and wars are expensive, the first hundred years or so of Vasa rule (1523-1611) put Sweden on the road to both Protestantism and the road to empire. Michael Roberts, who coined the phrase "revolution in military affairs" and developed the concept, is an excellent chronicler of these days. Well worth reading!