Monarchs of the Renaissance: The Lives and Reigns of 42 European Kings and Queens

"During the Renaissance, the monarchy rose to become the dominant form of power in Europe. This dynamic epoch produced formidable sovereigns who crushed the feudal rights of nobles, defended the Catholic Church against the encroachments of the ProtestantReformation, fought self-aggrandizing wars, and were patrons of art, architecture, literature, and music. "--Provided by publisher.