Joachim Whaley is a leading scholar of German history and thought, whose work delves into the rich and complex history of Germany and German-speaking regions from the late Middle Ages to the present day. With a profound engagement with social history, religious tolerance, and intellectual currents, he analyzes pivotal aspects of German culture and politics. His extensive research, covering virtually every facet of early modern German history, offers readers an in-depth exploration of developments within the Holy Roman Empire. Whaley's approach examines the interplay between historical events and prevailing ideas, illuminating long-term cultural and societal transformations.
By analysing and narrating the essentials of one of the most complex and long- lived of all European institutions, and moreover doing it lucidly and entertainingly, Whaley has performed something of a miracle. Tim Blanning, University of Cambridge
Dr. Whaley presents a comprehensive history of the Holy Roman Empire from the Reformation to the early 19th century, marking the first single-author narrative since the 1950s. Volume I covers the period from Maximilian I to the Peace of Westphalia.
Dr. Whaley's comprehensive account of German history covers the Holy Roman Empire from the Peace of Westphalia to the Dissolution of the Reich, marking the first single-author study since the 1950s. This volume offers a detailed exploration of the period following the Reformation up to the early nineteenth century.
"Germany and the Holy Roman Empire" presents a fresh perspective on German-speaking central Europe's evolution from 1495-1806, countering the idea of decline. Joachim Whaley examines the development of imperial institutions amid crises like the Reformation and the Thirty Years War, exploring themes of governance and cultural identity.
Exploring the evolution of toleration, this work examines how various ideas were embraced and gradually put into practice over time. It delves into the historical context and societal influences that shaped the acceptance of diverse beliefs, highlighting key figures and moments that contributed to the development of a more tolerant society. The study provides insights into the complexities of implementing these ideals and their lasting impact on contemporary views of tolerance.