Cambridge Companions to History – serie

Even today, six decades after his assassination in January 1948, Mahatma Gandhi is still revered as the father of the Indian nation. His intellectual and moral legacy, and the example of his life and politics, serve as an inspiration to human rights and peace movements, political activists and students. This book, comprised of essays by renowned experts in the fields of Indian history and philosophy, traces Gandhi's extraordinary story. The first part of the book explores his transformation from a small-town lawyer during his early life in South Africa into a skilled political activist and leader of civil resistance in India. The second part is devoted to Gandhi's key writings and his thinking on a broad range of topics, including religion, conflict, politics and social relations. The final part reflects on Gandhi's image and on his legacy in India, the West, and beyond.

Even today, six decades after his assassination in January 1948, Mahatma Gandhi is still revered as the father of the Indian nation. His intellectual and moral legacy, and the example of his life and politics, serve as an inspiration to human rights and peace movements, political activists and students. This book, comprised of essays by renowned experts in the fields of Indian history and philosophy, traces Gandhi's extraordinary story. The first part of the book explores his transformation from a small-town lawyer during his early life in South Africa into a skilled political activist and leader of civil resistance in India. The second part is devoted to Gandhi's key writings and his thinking on a broad range of topics, including religion, conflict, politics and social relations. The final part reflects on Gandhi's image and on his legacy in India, the West, and beyond.

Why study Ottoman history? What are the available sources? And how can researchers begin locating, reading, and interpreting these? The Cambridge Companion to Ottoman History provides a broad introduction to the field, offering readers accessible outlines of its varied methods and approaches. Bringing together contributions from leading researchers, the volume considers the theoretical, methodological, and practical challenges faced by Ottoman historians. Including chapters from specialists in areas ranging from intellectual history to labor history and gender history, the Companion critically examines prior developments in the field, and indicates potential paths for future research. Beginning with a thorough grounding in the primary sources available, the Companion then turns to the perspectives and critical frames of the discipline. This volume is an essential teaching guide, and an invaluable entry point to the breadth and the possibilities of Ottoman history.

It has been said that being scientific in Victorian England meant to be as much like John Herschel as possible. This volume shows readers what it meant to be John Herschel (1792-1871), one of England's most prominent polymaths. Drawing on his published oeuvre and recent scholarship, as well as an immense amount of surviving archival material and correspondence, these essays present the first ever comprehensive account of Herschel's life, work, and legacy. From mathematics and astronomy, to philosophy and politics, the volume sheds new light on his crucial role in the history of Victorian science and explores a wide array of issues in the history of nineteenth-century culture, philosophy, mathematics, and beyond.

It has been said that being scientific in Victorian England meant to be as much like John Herschel as possible. This volume shows readers what it meant to be John Herschel (1792-1871), one of England's most prominent polymaths. Drawing on his published oeuvre and recent scholarship, as well as an immense amount of surviving archival material and correspondence, these essays present the first ever comprehensive account of Herschel's life, work, and legacy. From mathematics and astronomy, to philosophy and politics, the volume sheds new light on his crucial role in the history of Victorian science and explores a wide array of issues in the history of nineteenth-century culture, philosophy, mathematics, and beyond.

For over a hundred years scholars have written about late medieval kingship, and a vast body of published work now exists on the subject. However, in all this rich coverage, no accessible introduction to the subject exists. The Cambridge Companion to Late Medieval Kingship addresses this need by bringing together, within a single volume, a series of themed chapters which consider key aspects of the workings of the English monarchy between 1200 and 1500. Featuring leading experts in the field, each chapter provides a concise and accessible guide, offering insights, synthesis and explanation to help readers understand not only how kings ruled, but also what made their rule more - or less - effective. By adopting a holistic approach to kingship, the contributors also consider how kingship impacted on the king's subjects, thereby illuminating the complex interplay of cooperation and conflict that shaped both the monarchy and the wider polity in late medieval England.

For over a hundred years scholars have written about late medieval kingship, and a vast body of published work now exists on the subject. However, in all this rich coverage, no accessible introduction to the subject exists. The Cambridge Companion to Late Medieval Kingship addresses this need by bringing together, within a single volume, a series of themed chapters which consider key aspects of the workings of the English monarchy between 1200 and 1500. Featuring leading experts in the field, each chapter provides a concise and accessible guide, offering insights, synthesis and explanation to help readers understand not only how kings ruled, but also what made their rule more - or less - effective. By adopting a holistic approach to kingship, the contributors also consider how kingship impacted on the king's subjects, thereby illuminating the complex interplay of cooperation and conflict that shaped both the monarchy and the wider polity in late medieval England.

Founded in 1478 and not permanently abolished until 1834, the Spanish Inquisition has always been a notorious institution in history as an engine of religious and racial persecution. Yet, Spaniards themselves did not create its legal processes or its theoretical mission, which was to reconcile heretics to the Catholic Church. In this volume, leading international scholars assess the origins, legal practices, victims, reach, and failures of Spanish inquisitors across centuries and geographies. Grounded in recent scholarship and archival research, the chapters explore the Inquisition's medieval precedents as well as its turbulent foundation and eradication. The volume examines how inquisitors changed their targets over time, and how literal physical settings could affect their investigations and prosecutions. Contributors also demonstrate how deeply Spanish inquisitors cared about social status and legal privilege, and explore the scandals that could envelop inquisitors and their employees. In doing so, this volume offers a nuanced, contextual understanding of the Spanish Inquisition as a historical phenomenon.

Founded in 1478 and not permanently abolished until 1834, the Spanish Inquisition has always been a notorious institution in history as an engine of religious and racial persecution. Yet, Spaniards themselves did not create its legal processes or its theoretical mission, which was to reconcile heretics to the Catholic Church. In this volume, leading international scholars assess the origins, legal practices, victims, reach, and failures of Spanish inquisitors across centuries and geographies. Grounded in recent scholarship and archival research, the chapters explore the Inquisition's medieval precedents as well as its turbulent foundation and eradication. The volume examines how inquisitors changed their targets over time, and how literal physical settings could affect their investigations and prosecutions. Contributors also demonstrate how deeply Spanish inquisitors cared about social status and legal privilege, and explore the scandals that could envelop inquisitors and their employees. In doing so, this volume offers a nuanced, contextual understanding of the Spanish Inquisition as a historical phenomenon.

In recent years, Queen Victoria (r. 1837-1901) and her world have come into sharper focus. Current scholarship has explored who the queen was and how her subjects saw her, both at home and abroad. We also have a deeper appreciation for Victoria's own role and agency in shaping her reign and constructing her self-image. This volume builds upon these developments and offers nuanced and historically grounded perspectives on the Victorian monarchy. The Cambridge Companion to Queen Victoria features the work of leading scholars across disciplines including literature, history, religion, women's studies and art history. Organized into four sections, the volume presents accessible and innovative scholarship on the queen as a cultural force and political agent, in domestic, international and imperial contexts.

In recent years, Queen Victoria (r. 1837-1901) and her world have come into sharper focus. Current scholarship has explored who the queen was and how her subjects saw her, both at home and abroad. We also have a deeper appreciation for Victoria's own role and agency in shaping her reign and constructing her self-image. This volume builds upon these developments and offers nuanced and historically grounded perspectives on the Victorian monarchy. The Cambridge Companion to Queen Victoria features the work of leading scholars across disciplines including literature, history, religion, women's studies and art history. Organized into four sections, the volume presents accessible and innovative scholarship on the queen as a cultural force and political agent, in domestic, international and imperial contexts.

First ladies have always received a great deal of attention and are among the most recognizable figures of any presidential administration. They're often treated as celebrities, making them some of the most prominent women of their eras. Yet many of their stories and contributions have been overlooked. Through a collection of thematic essays, The Cambridge Companion to US First Ladies provides a thorough and compelling examination of the development of the first lady institution, and the political, social, and cultural influence of the women who've served in this role. Topics covered include the evolution of various first lady roles, such as hostess, campaigner, surrogate, diplomat, social advocate, and trendsetter; how first ladies have been political assets and liabilities; the impact of first ladies' speeches and media usage; first ladies during wartime and presidential deaths; the contributions of first lady stand-ins; how presidential spouses have been represented in films; and how these women are memorialized and remembered-or forgotten.

First ladies have always received a great deal of attention and are among the most recognizable figures of any presidential administration. They're often treated as celebrities, making them some of the most prominent women of their eras. Yet many of their stories and contributions have been overlooked. Through a collection of thematic essays, The Cambridge Companion to US First Ladies provides a thorough and compelling examination of the development of the first lady institution, and the political, social, and cultural influence of the women who've served in this role. Topics covered include the evolution of various first lady roles, such as hostess, campaigner, surrogate, diplomat, social advocate, and trendsetter; how first ladies have been political assets and liabilities; the impact of first ladies' speeches and media usage; first ladies during wartime and presidential deaths; the contributions of first lady stand-ins; how presidential spouses have been represented in films; and how these women are memorialized and remembered-or forgotten.

Rammohun Roy (1774-1833) has been variously celebrated-or critiqued-as the 'Father of Modern India', 'the Erasmus of India', the first embodiment of the Bengal Renaissance under British rule, or, indeed, as the first modern Indian intellectual whose dilemmas revealed (to later analysts) the constraints of a colonial formation of politics and economy. He agitated for the freedom of the press, argued against the practice of sati, fought for the Hindu widow's right to inherit property, founded a religious organisation (the Brahmo Samaj) based on Unitarian principles, and gave evidence on Indian issues to the British parliament in 1831. He has been acknowledged as one of the progenitors of modern Bengali prose. His international reputation was unprecedented - much admired in America, he was feted in Britain and France, and the Spanish Constitution of Cádiz was dedicated to him. The Cambridge Companion to Rammohun Roy offers a revaluation of Rammohun's life and work through fresh readings of his life and legacy. It also aims to present a global connected history of modern thought in the early nineteenth century, prioritising local sources in both the English press and Bengali-language publications that were so far unexplored.

Rammohun Roy (1774-1833) has been variously celebrated-or critiqued-as the 'Father of Modern India', 'the Erasmus of India', the first embodiment of the Bengal Renaissance under British rule, or, indeed, as the first modern Indian intellectual whose dilemmas revealed (to later analysts) the constraints of a colonial formation of politics and economy. He agitated for the freedom of the press, argued against the practice of sati, fought for the Hindu widow's right to inherit property, founded a religious organisation (the Brahmo Samaj) based on Unitarian principles, and gave evidence on Indian issues to the British parliament in 1831. He has been acknowledged as one of the progenitors of modern Bengali prose. His international reputation was unprecedented - much admired in America, he was feted in Britain and France, and the Spanish Constitution of Cádiz was dedicated to him. The Cambridge Companion to Rammohun Roy offers a revaluation of Rammohun's life and work through fresh readings of his life and legacy. It also aims to present a global connected history of modern thought in the early nineteenth century, prioritising local sources in both the English press and Bengali-language publications that were so far unexplored.

This engaging Cambridge Companion introduces readers to the richness, complexity and diversity of one of the most important periods in Chinese history: the Song dynasty, 960-1279 CE. Bringing together leading scholars from Asia, Europe, and the United States, it provides an overview of key institutions, political, economic and military history, while also delving into the everyday lived experience of medieval China. Together, the authors create a vividly detailed and intimate portrayal of people, places, ideas, and material culture at both the 'centre' and 'margins' of Song society. They explore the lives of people and groups from diverse backgrounds, as well as places and things from the Yellow River to the publication of Buddhist prints and medical formularies. This volume highlights the brilliant accomplishments of Song scholarship in recent decades and provides an inspirational introduction for future researchers.

This engaging Cambridge Companion introduces readers to the richness, complexity and diversity of one of the most important periods in Chinese history: the Song dynasty, 960-1279 CE. Bringing together leading scholars from Asia, Europe, and the United States, it provides an overview of key institutions, political, economic and military history, while also delving into the everyday lived experience of medieval China. Together, the authors create a vividly detailed and intimate portrayal of people, places, ideas, and material culture at both the 'centre' and 'margins' of Song society. They explore the lives of people and groups from diverse backgrounds, as well as places and things from the Yellow River to the publication of Buddhist prints and medical formularies. This volume highlights the brilliant accomplishments of Song scholarship in recent decades and provides an inspirational introduction for future researchers.

The Western Front remains one of the most iconic, horrifying and controversial aspects of the First World War. This Cambridge Companion is a timely guide to the current state of research into this decisive theatre. Nick Lloyd brings together leading scholars to offer cutting-edge historical surveys combined with provocative and challenging new interpretations. They provide a comprehensive history of the Western Front, from war-planning and mobilisation in 1914, the emergence of a 'modern style' of warfare between 1914 and 1918, the role of coalitions and alliances, morale and the experience of colonial soldiers to the relationship between generals and domestic political leaders, the landscape of battle and the front's subsequent commemoration, remembrance and cultural afterlife. Together, these contributions highlight the seismic and enduring impact of a crucial moment in European history and demonstrate why it continues to attract interest, horror, fascination and debate over a hundred years later.

The Western Front remains one of the most iconic, horrifying and controversial aspects of the First World War. This Cambridge Companion is a timely guide to the current state of research into this decisive theatre. Nick Lloyd brings together leading scholars to offer cutting-edge historical surveys combined with provocative and challenging new interpretations. They provide a comprehensive history of the Western Front, from war-planning and mobilisation in 1914, the emergence of a 'modern style' of warfare between 1914 and 1918, the role of coalitions and alliances, morale and the experience of colonial soldiers to the relationship between generals and domestic political leaders, the landscape of battle and the front's subsequent commemoration, remembrance and cultural afterlife. Together, these contributions highlight the seismic and enduring impact of a crucial moment in European history and demonstrate why it continues to attract interest, horror, fascination and debate over a hundred years later.

The Nazi-Soviet War was the largest and most brutal theatre of the Second World War, fought between two of the most ruthless states ever to exist. Bringing together twenty-four of the most accomplished authors in both German and Soviet history, this Cambridge Companion provides the most authoritative, and yet highly accessible, guide to the conflict. Each chapter examines a key aspect of the war from war planning, the opposing forces and the campaigns to criminality and occupation, alliances, the home fronts and postwar legacies and myth-making. The authors demonstrate that the Nazi-Soviet war was both a conventional clash of arms in which millions of soldiers fought in titanic battles, but also a non-conventional war in which soldiers and security forces murdered countless non-combatants. It was a war of resources, industry, mobilisation, administration, and popular support, with implications that still drive European security debates today.

The Nazi-Soviet War was the largest and most brutal theatre of the Second World War, fought between two of the most ruthless states ever to exist. Bringing together twenty-four of the most accomplished authors in both German and Soviet history, this Cambridge Companion provides the most authoritative, and yet highly accessible, guide to the conflict. Each chapter examines a key aspect of the war from war planning, the opposing forces and the campaigns to criminality and occupation, alliances, the home fronts and postwar legacies and myth-making. The authors demonstrate that the Nazi-Soviet war was both a conventional clash of arms in which millions of soldiers fought in titanic battles, but also a non-conventional war in which soldiers and security forces murdered countless non-combatants. It was a war of resources, industry, mobilisation, administration, and popular support, with implications that still drive European security debates today.

Geoffrey Jones and Sabine Pitteloud present the latest research on the global history of multinationals and their impact on society and the environment. Bringing together leading international scholars, these essays survey key themes in our relationship with multinationals, from taxation and corruption to gender and the climate. Though often associated with large corporations like Apple or Nestlé, the contributors highlight the remarkable diversity in multinational strategies and organizational structures. They challenge the idea of an inescapable rise of multinationals by looking beyond the experience of Western countries and considering the effects of dramatic political shifts. Multinationals have often acted opportunistically, with their resilience carrying social costs through the exploitation of weak regulations, corrupt governments, inequalities, poor human rights, and environmental harm. This is an essential introduction to the historical role of multinationals for scholars and students as well as for policymakers and stakeholders navigating today's economic landscape.

Geoffrey Jones and Sabine Pitteloud present the latest research on the global history of multinationals and their impact on society and the environment. Bringing together leading international scholars, these essays survey key themes in our relationship with multinationals, from taxation and corruption to gender and the climate. Though often associated with large corporations like Apple or Nestlé, the contributors highlight the remarkable diversity in multinational strategies and organizational structures. They challenge the idea of an inescapable rise of multinationals by looking beyond the experience of Western countries and considering the effects of dramatic political shifts. Multinationals have often acted opportunistically, with their resilience carrying social costs through the exploitation of weak regulations, corrupt governments, inequalities, poor human rights, and environmental harm. This is an essential introduction to the historical role of multinationals for scholars and students as well as for policymakers and stakeholders navigating today's economic landscape.

Matthew Paris is one of the most remarkable and renowned figures in the cultural history of medieval England. A career-monk at the influential Benedictine abbey of St Albans, Paris' creative work bears witness to the rich intellectual, artistic, social and political environment of the monasteries and their lasting impact on the wider world. His compelling accounts of recent history and the lives of legendary saints and churchmen are a distinctive and valuable guide to the emergence of the English kingdom and its place in European Christendom. His accomplished and vivid artwork brings into focus both the craft skill and visual sensibility stimulated by the medieval Church. This systematic survey, the first published for almost seventy years, brings together expert scholarship and offers fresh, interdisciplinary perspectives on Paris', his life's work as writer, artist, cartographer and maker of manuscript books, and its enduring legacy.

Matthew Paris is one of the most remarkable and renowned figures in the cultural history of medieval England. A career-monk at the influential Benedictine abbey of St Albans, Paris' creative work bears witness to the rich intellectual, artistic, social and political environment of the monasteries and their lasting impact on the wider world. His compelling accounts of recent history and the lives of legendary saints and churchmen are a distinctive and valuable guide to the emergence of the English kingdom and its place in European Christendom. His accomplished and vivid artwork brings into focus both the craft skill and visual sensibility stimulated by the medieval Church. This systematic survey, the first published for almost seventy years, brings together expert scholarship and offers fresh, interdisciplinary perspectives on Paris', his life's work as writer, artist, cartographer and maker of manuscript books, and its enduring legacy.

Bringing together experts across Latin America, North America, and Spain, The Cambridge Companion to Latin American Independence innovatively revisits Latin American independence within a larger regional, temporal, and thematic framework to highlight its significance for the Age of Atlantic Revolutions. The volume offers a synthetic yet comprehensive tool for understanding and assessing the most current studies in the field and their analytical contributions to the broader historiography. Organized thematically and across different regions of the Iberian Peninsula and Spanish and Luso America, the essays deepen well-known conclusions and reveal new interpretations. They offer analytical interventions that produce new questions on periodization, the meaning of anti-colonialism, liberalism, and republicanism, as well as the militarization of societies, public opinion, the role of sciences, labor regimes, and gender dynamics. A much-needed addition to the existing scholarship, this volume brings a transnational perspective to a critical period of history in Latin America.

Bringing together experts across Latin America, North America, and Spain, The Cambridge Companion to Latin American Independence innovatively revisits Latin American independence within a larger regional, temporal, and thematic framework to highlight its significance for the Age of Atlantic Revolutions. The volume offers a synthetic yet comprehensive tool for understanding and assessing the most current studies in the field and their analytical contributions to the broader historiography. Organized thematically and across different regions of the Iberian Peninsula and Spanish and Luso America, the essays deepen well-known conclusions and reveal new interpretations. They offer analytical interventions that produce new questions on periodization, the meaning of anti-colonialism, liberalism, and republicanism, as well as the militarization of societies, public opinion, the role of sciences, labor regimes, and gender dynamics. A much-needed addition to the existing scholarship, this volume brings a transnational perspective to a critical period of history in Latin America.

Viewed by some as the saviour of his nation, and by others as a racist imperialist, who was Winston Churchill really, and how has he become such a controversial figure? Combining the best of established scholarship with important new perspectives, this Companion places Churchill's life and legacy in a broader context. It highlights different aspects of his life and personality, examining his core beliefs, working practices, key relationships and the political issues and campaigns that he helped shape, and which in turn shaped him. Controversial subjects, such as area bombing, Ireland, India and Empire are addressed in full, to try and explain how Churchill has become such a deeply divisive figure. Through careful analysis, this book presents a full and rounded picture of Winston Churchill, providing much needed nuance and context to the debates about his life and legacy.

Viewed by some as the saviour of his nation, and by others as a racist imperialist, who was Winston Churchill really, and how has he become such a controversial figure? Combining the best of established scholarship with important new perspectives, this Companion places Churchill's life and legacy in a broader context. It highlights different aspects of his life and personality, examining his core beliefs, working practices, key relationships and the political issues and campaigns that he helped shape, and which in turn shaped him. Controversial subjects, such as area bombing, Ireland, India and Empire are addressed in full, to try and explain how Churchill has become such a deeply divisive figure. Through careful analysis, this book presents a full and rounded picture of Winston Churchill, providing much needed nuance and context to the debates about his life and legacy.