Dynasty: A Very Short Introduction

Dynasty: A Very Short Introduction
Author :
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Total Pages : 161
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780192536747
ISBN-13 : 0192536745
Rating : 4/5 (745 Downloads)

Book Synopsis Dynasty: A Very Short Introduction by : Jeroen Duindam

Download or read book Dynasty: A Very Short Introduction written by Jeroen Duindam and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2019-10-24 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For thousands of years bloodlines have been held as virtually unassailable credentials for leadership, with supreme political power perceived as a family affair across the globe and throughout history. At the heart of royal dynasties, kings were inflated to superhuman proportions, yet their status came at a price: whilst they may have reigned, they were very often ruled by others who sheltered behind the ruler's proclaimed omnipotence. Descent through the female line also occurred, subverting our common view of dynasty as built on father-son succession. Everywhere, women were important as mothers of boy-kings, and could even rule in their own right in some places. In this Very Short Introduction Jeroen Duindam connects the earliest history of kings and queens to contemporary examples of family-based leadership. His sweeping overview of five millennia of dynastic rule brings to light recurring predicaments of families on the throne. Examining persistent family conflict and the dilemmas of leadership, he shows how the challenge of governing the family was balanced by the necessity of family scions, close or distant, for the survival of dynasties. Tensions between ageing fathers and eager sons can be found among ancient kings as well as in modern business empires. Guidebooks for rulers throughout history provided counsel that will appear strikingly familiar to contemporary leaders. The thoughts and confessions of rulers added a more personal touch to these rules of thumb. Throughout, Duindam sheds light not only on similarities, but also on divergence and change in dynastic practice. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Dynasty: A Very Short Introduction Related Books

Dynasty: A Very Short Introduction
Language: en
Pages: 161
Authors: Jeroen Duindam
Categories: History
Type: BOOK - Published: 2019-10-24 - Publisher: Oxford University Press

GET EBOOK

For thousands of years bloodlines have been held as virtually unassailable credentials for leadership, with supreme political power perceived as a family affair
The Habsburg Empire
Language: en
Pages: 153
Authors: Martyn C. Rady
Categories: History
Type: BOOK - Published: 2017 - Publisher: Oxford University Press

GET EBOOK

The Habsburg Empire reached at various times across most of Europe and the New World. At all the critical moments of European history it is there - confronting
Chinese Literature
Language: en
Pages: 158
Authors: Sabina Knight
Categories: Business & Economics
Type: BOOK - Published: 2012-02-03 - Publisher: OUP USA

GET EBOOK

This book tells the story of Chinese literature, from prehistory to the present, in terms of literary culture's key role in supporting social and political conc
Confucianism
Language: en
Pages: 153
Authors: Daniel K. Gardner
Categories: Religion
Type: BOOK - Published: 2014 - Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

GET EBOOK

This volume shows the influence of the Sage's teachings over the course of Chinese history--on state ideology, the civil service examination system, imperial go
The Ancient Near East: A Very Short Introduction
Language: en
Pages: 169
Authors: Amanda H. Podany
Categories: History
Type: BOOK - Published: 2014 - Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

GET EBOOK

This book explores the lands of the ancient Near East from around 3200 BCE to 539 BCE. The earth-shaking changes that marked this era include such fundamental i