DOC The Ornament of Histories: A History of the Eastern Islamic Lands AD 650-1041: The Persian Text of Abu Sa'id 'Abd al-Hayy Gardizi (I. B. Tauris BIPS Persian Studies Series) by From Brand: Tauris Academic Studies in History

Description

Also known as the War of the Spanish Succession; Marlborough's Wars (1702-13); fought in Europe and on the Mediterranean; were the last and the bloodiest of the Wars between England and France under Louis XIV; and the first in which Britain played a major military role in European military affairs. In 1700 Louis had antagonized the English by accepting (in defiance of treaties) the bequest of the Spanish empire to his grandson Philip of Anjou; and by his subsequent prohibition of English imports and recognition of the claim to the English throne put forward by James; the "Old Pretender;" who was the son of the deposed James II and the leader of the Jacobites. England's Grand Alliance with Holland; the Hapsburg Empire; Hanover; and Prussia; intended to prevent French dominance over all of Europe; was opposed by France; Spain; Bavaria; and Savoy. After the death of William III in 1702; Queen Anne; James's daughter; appointed John Churchill; the earl of Marlborough; as commander of the English and Dutch armies. A brilliant soldier - brave; handsome; skilfull - Marlborough was also opportunistic; crafty; deceptive; and tight-fisted.