The stamp of the institutions and politics of the old Empire is still evident in twentieth-century Europe, and many of the divisions and struggles in modern Europe, as well as the political ideals, have their roots in the Holy Roman Empire. It is Friedrich Heer's special achievement to have recognised and demonstrated the basic unity of European history. This unity is clearly shown in the history as an essentially European institution, starting with the coronation of Charlemagne in Rome on Christmas Day 800, and ending ...
Read More
The stamp of the institutions and politics of the old Empire is still evident in twentieth-century Europe, and many of the divisions and struggles in modern Europe, as well as the political ideals, have their roots in the Holy Roman Empire. It is Friedrich Heer's special achievement to have recognised and demonstrated the basic unity of European history. This unity is clearly shown in the history as an essentially European institution, starting with the coronation of Charlemagne in Rome on Christmas Day 800, and ending with the illegal suspension of the Empire by Francis II in 1806 under pressure from Napoleon. Within the chronological framework Professor Heer follows up certain themes throughout the book - the status of the Emperor and meaning of kingship and leadership; the structure of the Empire, which was a federation, never an absolutist state; the internal struggles within the imperial system, and the constant struggle with rival empires in the west and east; the ever-shifting centres of gravity of the Empire, Aachen and the Rhineland, Rome, Nuremberg, Sicily, Madrid, Prague and Vienna; the large measure of political and religious toleration, and the unending struggles between Empire and Church; and the ever-present ideal of a united Europe.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good. Covers have light surface wear, tiny hint of curl to one corner, little yellowing to leaf ends, pages are clean, tight and bright! Overall in great condition! (1.2M-1S)
Indespensible identification of the Holy Roman Empire as the vestigal political embodiment of personal kingship ties, ecclessiastical hierarchies, lordships and class relationships, which prevented Eurpean society from developing into a technological, industrial, open society. Ancient notions of holy kingship immured the common man under the hegemony of self-regarding, violent rulers, wlith goods and power in the hands of sacralized kings and their eccelesiastic and feudal fiefs. That this state of affairs did not come to an end until 1945 is the astonishing apercu made possible by Herr's magnificent scholarship and intelligence. Herr does not make the observation, but we now can, that unless America had separated from Europe that the modern civitas would not have come to be.
