Myths of Power

Myths of Power is both a critical analysis of Norbert Elias' historical works and an interpretation of court life in early modern Europe. Jeroen Duindam submits Elias' interpretation to the test of more than half a century of historical scholarship about the court. One general conclusion emerges: Elias' approach to the early modern European court contains many misunderstandings. Nevertheless, Duindam suggests, elements of Elias' paradigm can still be used in a new, more solidly-based interpretation of courtly society.