There were many surprising accessions in the early modern period, including Mary I of England, Henry III of France, Anne Stuart, and others, but this is the first book dedicated solely to evaluating their lives and the repercussions of their reigns. By comparing a variety of such unexpected heirs, this engaging history offers a richer portrait of early modern monarchy. It shows that the need for heirs and the acquisition and preparation of heirs had a critical impact on sixteenth- and seventeenth-century culture and politics, from the appropriation of culture to the influence of language, to trade and political alliances. It also shows that securing a dynasty relied on more than just political agreements and giving birth to legitimate sons, examining how relationships between women could and did forge alliances and dynastic continuities.
"Unexpected Heirs in Early Modern Europe, in bringing together a range of unexpected heirs from this period, collectively makes us more aware of just how frequently succession deviated from the ideal. ... the collection brings together an array of interesting and well-researched chapters that collectively enhance our understanding of monarchical succession." (Aidan Norrie, Royal Studies Journal, Vol. 6 (1), 2019)