THE FATAL INHERITANCE: Philip II and the Spanish Netherlands

by Edward Grierson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 14, 1969

A leisurely history of the reign of Phillip II (1556-1598) which focuses on the rebellion of the Spanish Netherlands as a symptom of declining empire. Grierson, who has a solid reputation as a novelist, eschews suspense here, making plain the loyalties and liabilities of each historical figure as well as the influence of world affairs (particularly Spain's financial and religious crises). He excels at portraiture: the two Spanish regents in the Netherlands -- the mannish Duchess of Parma and her successor (and founder of the Council of Blood), the much hated Duke of Alva; the Spanish king; the commander of the Armada; and the enemy, William the Silent of Orange. Grierson bases his study on the major historical sources, adding his own provocative if sometimes speculative deductions -- as, for example, that the decline of the Spanish Empire was caused less by military or economic maladies than by ""Perhaps a failure of will, a kind of neurosis. Nations like individuals suffer them."" In all, however, a firm elucidation of an empire's enervation.

Pub Date: March 14, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1969

Categories: NONFICTION