Kingship and Favoritism in the Spain of Philip III, 15981621 (Cambridge Studies in Early Modern History)

"The enthronement of Philip III of Spain (Philip II's son and heir) in 1598 also meant the rise to power of the duke of Lerma, the first of a series of European favorites/prime ministers who influenced greatly politics, government, court culture and the arts during the seventeenth century. This book analyzes the contexts that explain the rise of Lerma, as well as discourses on kingship and favoritism, and governmental and institutional initiatives taken during Philip III's reign (1598-1621) - a key historical period for our understanding of early modern Spain." "Although this book focuses on the reign of Philip III, it also addresses broader historiographical matters."--Jacket.