'Mackay has put together a very interesting study that addresses some of the most important historical and historiographical themes arising from the situation of Castile and the Spanish monarchy during the central decades of the seventeenth century.' Journal of Modern History

• Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Recruitment and royal authority; 2. Making soldiers of townsmen; 3. War, lords, and vassals; 4. Common claims; Conclusion; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.

'Mackay has put together a very interesting study that addresses some of the most important historical and historiographical themes arising from the situation of Castile and the Spanish monarchy during the central decades of the seventeenth century.' Journal of Modern History

• Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Recruitment and royal authority; 2. Making soldiers of townsmen; 3. War, lords, and vassals; 4. Common claims; Conclusion; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.

'Mackay has put together a very interesting study that addresses some of the most important historical and historiographical themes arising from the situation of Castile and the Spanish monarchy during the central decades of the seventeenth century.' Journal of Modern History

• Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Recruitment and royal authority; 2. Making soldiers of townsmen; 3. War, lords, and vassals; 4. Common claims; Conclusion; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.