History of the Reign of Philip the Second, King of Spain, Vols. 1 and 2

Religious conflict and royal power shape William Hickling Prescott's account of Philip II and sixteenth-century Europe. These first two volumes approach Philip's reign through its connections with other European states, placing the Reformation alongside the decisions of a powerful monarchy. Prescott's preface explains his use of archives, diplomatic reports and manuscripts gathered with help from scholars across Europe.

The narrative also follows armies into the practical difficulties of campaigning. During a mountain crossing, the duke of Alva organizes separate divisions to keep his troops supplied, while steep paths and lingering snow complicate their advance. Details of officers, engineers and portable musket rests give the political history a concrete military dimension. Readers interested in early modern government, religious divisions or the working methods of a nineteenth-century historian will find both a detailed historical narrative and an explanation of the research behind it.