Unexpected Heirs in Early Modern Europe

Contributes to the study of dynasty in early modern Europe by highlighting the key role of the heir in the political and cultural history of Europe Demonstrates the significance of heirs as agents of change in early modern Europe through patronage, education, marriage, and religion Presents a unique focus on the training of possible heirs, especially on humanist educations and the preparation of daughters to be mothers and wives
There were many surprising accessions in the early modern period, including Mary I of England, Henry III of France, Anne Stuart, and others, but this is the first book dedicated solely to evaluating their lives and the repercussions of their reigns. By comparing a variety of such unexpected heirs, this engaging history offers a richer portrait of early modern monarchy. It shows that the need for heirs and the acquisition and preparation of heirs had a critical impact on sixteenth- and seventeenth-century culture and politics, from the appropriation of culture to the influence of language, to trade and political alliances. It also shows that securing a dynasty relied on more than just political agreements and giving birth to legitimate sons, examining how relationships between women could and did forge alliances and dynastic continuities.