Philip II. of Spain

"Philip II. of Spain" by Martin A. S. Hume is a historical exploration of King Philip II, highlighting both his role as a failed statesman and his personal battles against fate. The book explains how forces shaped Philip's character from a young age, and how he dealt with the pressures and responsibilities placed upon him by his ancestors and his kingdom. The author walks the reader though Philip's successes and failures, showing that he was thoughtful and ambitious, and yet could not control the vast, political world around him. Overall, the biography introduces Philip as a tragic figure whose noble aspirations were overshadowed by a sense of disappointment and ultimate loss.