EAN 9780230239784

The Holy Roman Empire covered much of Europe and lasted for over a millennium, but has long been regarded as ineffective and largely irrelevant to broader historical issues. Drawing on a wealth of research, Peter Wilson offers an alternative interpretation of the Empire's last three centuries. The Holy Roman Empire 1495-1806, second edition: * explains key stages in the Empire's development within the context of wider European history * provides a comprehensive guide to its institutions and the central debates * incorporates the latest scholarship and has been fully revised and updated throughout, offering more in depth treatment of major issues * features a new chapter on whether the Empire can be considered the first German nation state.