The overarching story arch covers the threat provided by Suleyman and the Ottomans and their attempts to invade Europe, ultimately to the gates of Vienna. Caught up in internal squabbling, Europe shows no ability to repel the invasions until the very last moment.
The squabbling in Europe revolves around a few major issues and perspectives. Francis I feels threatened, enveloped as France was by the Holy Roman Empire on all sides. Similarly, the Pope faces encirclement on all sides from the French and Empire on all sides, even suffering another sack of Rome from Charles's forces. Not to be left out are Luther and his Protestants, fighting for religious freedom against German nobles, The Vatican and the Holy Roman Empire.
The result is Europe's complete lack of ability (or interest?) in defending itself from the forthcoming Ottomans. Ultimately what saved Europe was not a heroic defense, but an Ottoman army too far from home, too unfamiliar with cold-weather battle, tired and rebellious troops, and inadequate provisioning. Think Alexander in India.
The book painted a far stronger, richer, wealthier vision of the Holy Roman Empire in it's waning age than I had read of before. Perhaps Charles gained his power more from being a Hapsburg than being emperor. Even though the empire was declining, the family was still on the ascent.
I need to read more finite histories such as this one, focusing on a decade and a half of important history, rather than my typical volume which might cover several hundred years or more. I suppose a balance between macrocosm and microcosm is the best approach.
Anyway, I'm continuing to develop a deeper understanding of this important era. Another volume or two and I will be ready to study the French ascent to European dominance.
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