The book 'Kleine Fürsten im Alten Reich' explores the social and structural dynamics affecting the smaller principalities of the Holy Roman Empire from 1300 to 1800. Through a collection of scholarly essays, it examines the political and social roles of these 'lesser' princes compared to their 'greater' counterparts, focusing on the influence of dynastic size and territorial control. The work delves into issues such as political survival, marriage practices, and the symbolic representation of power. The volume is based on a conference held in Dessau and aims to provide a comparative perspective on the historical significance of these smaller sovereign entities. It targets historians and scholars interested in early modern European political structures. |