What is the primary definition of a 'favourite' as described in the text?

A 'favourite' is defined as the intimate companion of a ruler or other important person. In post-classical and early-modern Europe, this term was particularly used for individuals who were delegated significant political power by a ruler.

During which historical periods and regions was the role of the favourite particularly prominent?

The role of the favourite was especially prominent in post-classical and early-modern Europe, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries. This phenomenon was widespread across much of Europe, including Spain, England, France, and Sweden, between 1600 and 1660.

Why did the role of the favourite emerge as a significant phenomenon in the 16th and 17th centuries?

The role of the favourite emerged because government had become too complex for many hereditary rulers who lacked interest or talent in administration, and political institutions were still evolving. Favourites stepped in to manage the increasingly intricate affairs of state.

How did the role of the royal favourite, acting as a quasi-Prime Minister, decline by the late 17th century?

The role of the royal favourite as a quasi-Prime Minister declined because monarchs began to assert more direct control. In France, Louis XIV resolved to rule directly, and in Britain, executive power gradually shifted from the monarch to Parliament and the emerging office of the Prime Minister.

Does the term 'favourite' always imply a sexual relationship with the ruler?

No, the term 'favourite' does not always imply a sexual relationship. While some favourites had sexual relations with their monarch or the monarch's spouse, many were favoured for their administrative skills or simply for being close friends of the monarch.

What is the connotation of the term 'favourite' according to the Oxford English Dictionary and its usage?

The term 'favourite' carries an inbuilt element of disapproval. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as 'One who stands unduly high in the favour of a prince,' citing Shakespeare's use in 'Much Ado About Nothing' to describe those made proud by princes.

What was the typical reaction of the nobility towards royal favourites?

Favourites inevitably tended to incur the envy and loathing of the rest of the nobility. A relationship that was too close between a monarch and a favourite was often seen as a breach of the natural social order and hierarchy.

How did the opinions of the gentry and bourgeoisie affect favourites?

As the opinions of the gentry and bourgeoisie grew in importance, they also often strongly disliked favourites. This dislike could be particularly intense if the favourite was elevated from humble or minor backgrounds by royal favour.

What does the 'mushroom' analogy signify in relation to favourites?

The 'mushroom' analogy was used to describe favourites who sprang up suddenly overnight, often from humble or obscure origins, implying they grew from a base of 'excrement.' Christopher Marlowe used this metaphor in his play 'Edward II' to describe Piers Gaveston.

How did the downfall of favourites change after approximately 1650?

After about 1650, the dramatic downfall of favourites through execution tended to give way to quieter retirements. This shift suggests a change in political dynamics and perhaps a less volatile approach to managing powerful court figures.

Which factors contributed to favourites from higher nobility often being less resented and lasting longer?

Favourites who came from the higher nobility, such as Robert Dudley, Duke of Lerma, Count-Duke of Olivares, and Axel Oxenstierna, were often less resented and lasted longer. This was likely due to their established social standing and existing networks, which made their rise seem less abrupt and their position more legitimate.

What was necessary for successful minister-favourites to carry out the work of government?

Successful minister-favourites usually needed to build networks of their own favourites and relatives to help them manage the extensive work of government. Figures like Cardinal Richelieu had their 'créatures,' and Olivares had his 'hechuras,' demonstrating this reliance on a personal support system.

How did figures like William Cecil and Jean-Baptiste Colbert differ from typical 'favourites'?

Figures like William Cecil and Jean-Baptiste Colbert, while holding significant power and owing their rise to personal relations with the monarch, are often distinguished from typical favourites. They rose through administrative ranks and did not attempt to behave like grandees of the nobility, focusing more on governance than courtly favouritism.

What was the impact of the growing importance of Parliament on the role of favourites in England?

The growing importance of Parliament in England significantly reduced the scope for giving unchecked political power to a favourite. Parliament could impeach or pass bills of attainder against powerful ministers, as seen with the Earl of Strafford, limiting the monarch's ability to solely rely on a favourite.

How did Louis XIV's reign in France mark a shift away from the favourite system?

Upon Cardinal Mazarin's death in 1661, Louis XIV decided to rule directly, ending the practice of delegating significant power to ministers that had occurred in the preceding 40 years. This move centralized power in the monarch himself, embodying the absolute monarchy pioneered by Richelieu.

What was the significance of the creation of the office of Prime Minister in England?

The creation of the office of Prime Minister in 1721 formalized the shift of executive power away from the monarch. It represented the replacement of ministers chosen solely by the monarch with a political head of government accountable to Parliament.

What was Tomás Fernández de Medrano's theoretical justification for the role of a favourite?

In his work 'República Mista' (1602), Tomás Fernández de Medrano offered one of the earliest theoretical justifications for the favourite. He portrayed the favourite not as a rival to royal authority, but as a necessary extension of it, entrusted with distinct responsibilities to ensure effective governance, drawing on classical examples of wise princes relying on confidants.

Why was Ben Jonson called before the Privy Council regarding his play 'Sejanus His Fall'?

Ben Jonson was called before the Privy Council because his play 'Sejanus His Fall' (1603) was claimed by his enemies to contain allusions to the contemporary court of James I of England. He was accused of 'Popery and treason' due to these perceived contemporary parallels.

How did Francis Bacon describe the practice of princes elevating certain individuals to the role of 'favourites'?

Francis Bacon, in his essay 'On Friendship,' noted that princes often purchase friendship at the hazard of their own safety and greatness. He observed that to be capable of friendship, monarchs elevate certain individuals to be companions, almost equals, which he called 'favourites' or 'privadoes,' a practice seen even among the wisest rulers.

According to Lord Macaulay, why were favourites generally disliked in England?

Lord Macaulay wrote in 1844 that favourites have always been odious in England. He noted that no mere favourite had led the government since the assassination of the Duke of Buckingham by John Felton, highlighting the historical unpopularity of such figures in the country.

Who published a seminal study on the minister-favourite phenomenon in 1974, and what was its main argument?

Jean Bérenger published a seminal study titled 'Pour une enquête européenne, l'histoire du ministeriat au XVIIe siècle' in the journal 'Annales' in 1974. He argued that the simultaneous success of minister-favourites across various European monarchies in the 17th century was not coincidental but reflected a significant underlying change occurring at the time.

What is the significance of the work by J.H. Elliott and L.W.B. Brockliss regarding the study of favourites?

The work by J.H. Elliott and L.W.B. Brockliss, which resulted in the collection of essays 'The World of the Favourite,' is considered the most important comparative treatment of the subject. It explored the matter put forward by Jean Bérenger concerning the rise of minister-favourites in the 17th century.

What biblical figures are mentioned as having elements of the favourite role?

Biblical figures mentioned as having elements of the favourite role include David, who was a favourite of Saul, and Joseph, who served as a favourite to a pharaoh.

Who was Piers Gaveston, and what was his relationship with Edward II of England?

Piers Gaveston was the 1st Earl of Cornwall and a favourite of Edward II of England. He held high office, including serving as Regent when Edward was abroad, but was eventually captured and executed by rebels in 1312. It is suggested he may have been Edward II's lover.

Describe the fate of Hugh Despenser the Younger in relation to Edward II.

Hugh Despenser the Younger, also possibly a lover of Edward II, was captured and killed in 1326 during a rebellion led by Edward's Queen, Isabella of France. His execution marked a dramatic downfall for a royal favourite.

Who was Álvaro de Luna, and what led to his execution?

Álvaro de Luna was the favourite of John II of Castile. He was executed in 1453 after facing significant pressure from the nobility of Castile, indicating that even powerful favourites could fall victim to political opposition.

What happened to Robert Cochrane, a favourite of James III of Scotland?

Robert Cochrane, a favourite of James III of Scotland, was hanged from Lauder bridge along with other low-born favourites. This occurred after a revolt by the Scottish nobles, led by Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus, who opposed their sudden rise to power.

Who was Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha, and what was his end?

Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha was the favourite of Suleiman I of the Ottoman Empire. Despite his close relationship with the Sultan, he was executed in 1536, possibly on suspicion of treason, illustrating the precarious position even powerful favourites held.

What was the relationship between Robert Dudley and Elizabeth I of England?

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, was a favourite of Elizabeth I of England for approximately 30 years. He was rumoured to be her lover and was a long-term candidate for her hand, while also serving as a leading patron and statesman.

Who were 'Les Mignons' in the context of French history?

'Les Mignons,' meaning 'the Darlings,' were a group of favourites associated with Henry III of France. Their presence at court often caused controversy and reflected the monarch's reliance on a select circle of companions.

Who was Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, Duke of Lerma, and what was his significance in Spain?

Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, Duke of Lerma, was the first 'valido' in Spain, a semi-official title for Spanish favourites. He effectively ran Spain for 20 years during the reign of Philip III before falling from favour.

What role did Charles d'Albert, duc de Luynes, play in the court of Louis XIII of France?

Charles d'Albert, duc de Luynes, was a favourite, or 'mignon,' of Louis XIII of France. He notably arranged the murder of Concino Concini, the favourite of the Queen Mother Marie de' Medici, in 1617, thereby consolidating his own influence.

Describe the influence and fate of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham.

George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, was highly influential politically and served as a favourite to both James I and his son Charles I of England. His significant power and perceived arrogance ultimately led to his assassination by John Felton in 1628.

How did Axel Oxenstierna manage the government of Sweden?

Axel Oxenstierna successfully ran the government of Sweden for over 40 years until his death in 1654. He was a highly effective minister-favourite, and his son Erik Oxenstierna eventually took over his role, demonstrating a rare instance of succession within such a position.

What was the outcome for Henri Coiffier de Ruze, Marquis of Cinq-Mars, in France?

Henri Coiffier de Ruze, Marquis of Cinq-Mars, was a favourite in France who was executed in 1642. He had led a conspiracy against his rival and patron, Cardinal Richelieu, who had governed France for 18 years, highlighting the intense political rivalries often surrounding favourites.

What decision by Louis XIV marked the end of the 'golden age of the favourite' in France?

The 'golden age of the favourite' in France effectively ended when Louis XIV, upon the death of Cardinal Mazarin in 1661, publicly declared that he would govern alone. This decision meant that no subsequent French minister equalled the power previously held by figures like Richelieu and Mazarin.

Who was Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin, and what was his influence in Russia?

Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin was the lover of Empress Catherine II of Russia for two years, but he continued to wield enormous power in the government for an additional fifteen years after their romantic relationship ended. He is a notable example of a favourite who maintained significant political influence beyond the initial phase of favour.

What was the role of Manuel de Godoy in Spain, and what was his ultimate fate?

Manuel de Godoy held significant power in Spain and was a favourite of Charles IV. His unpopularity, combined with Napoleon's ambitions, led to Charles IV's abdication in 1808. Following this, Godoy spent over 40 years in exile.

Who was Grigori Rasputin, and what was his connection to the Romanov family?

Grigori Rasputin was a mystic figure considered a favourite of the Romanov family of Russia. His influence over the imperial family was significant, and he was ultimately murdered in 1916, shortly before the Russian Revolution.

How did Madame de Maintenon differ from other royal mistresses of Louis XIV?

Madame de Maintenon, unlike other mistresses of Louis XIV, refused to become his mistress. Instead, she eventually became his second, morganatic wife, signifying a different kind of relationship and a more elevated status than that of a typical mistress.

Who was Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, and how did her influence wane?

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, was a domineering friend and favourite of Anne, Queen of Great Britain. Her influence eventually waned and she was supplanted by her cousin, Abigail Masham, Baroness Masham, illustrating how even powerful favourites could be replaced.

What was the unique position of Constantine Phaulkon in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya?

Constantine Phaulkon, a Greek, served as the first counsellor to King Narai of Ayutthaya. His significant influence over the King led to major political shifts, including the Siamese revolution of 1688.

What distinguished the role of a 'valido' in Spain from other terms for favourites?

In Spanish, 'valido' was a term used for royal favourites, particularly during the reigns of Philip II, Philip III, and Philip IV. While 'privado' was also used, 'valido' became more common and was generally less derogatory than the French 'favori' or the English 'favourite'.

What was the primary reason for the decline of the favourite as a political force in England?

The primary reason for the decline of the favourite as a political force in England was the growing importance and power of Parliament. This institution increasingly influenced or dictated political appointments and decisions, limiting the monarch's ability to grant absolute power to a single individual.

What is the meaning of the term 'favourite' in the context of post-classical and early-modern Europe?

In post-classical and early-modern Europe, a 'favourite' was an individual who held the intimate companionship of a ruler and was often delegated significant political power. This role was particularly common in the 16th and 17th centuries when governmental complexity outpaced the administrative capabilities or interests of many monarchs.

How did the rise of favourites from humble backgrounds often lead to their downfall?

Favourites who rose from humble or minor backgrounds often faced intense dislike and resentment from established nobility, gentry, and bourgeoisie. Their rapid ascent, often accompanied by lavish grants of titles and estates, was seen as unnatural and contributed to their 'over-reaching' behaviour, which frequently led to their downfall.

What was the role of Cardinal Richelieu and his 'créatures'?

Cardinal Richelieu was a highly successful minister-favourite who governed France for many years. He, like other successful favourites, relied on a network of his own appointees, known as 'créatures,' to help him carry out the work of government and maintain his influence.

What is the significance of the 'Equestrian portrait of the Count-Duke of Olivares' mentioned in the text?

The source material references an equestrian portrait of the Count-Duke of Olivares, painted by Diego Velázquez around 1636. This portrait likely depicts Gaspar de Guzmán y Pimentel, a prominent Spanish favourite who served Philip IV.

What does the image of the Duke of Buckingham by Rubens represent?

The image shows a portrait of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, painted by the workshop of Peter Paul Rubens between 1617 and 1628. Buckingham was a highly influential favourite of James I and Charles I of England.

What is depicted in the image of Cardinal Richelieu?

The image is a triple portrait of Cardinal Richelieu, painted around 1642 by Philippe de Champaigne. Richelieu is presented as one of the most successful figures from the golden age of the favourite in French history.

What does the image of Prince Grigory Potemkin represent?

The image is a portrait of Prince Grigory Potemkin, a significant figure in Russian history. He was a favourite and lover of Catherine the Great and wielded considerable political power for many years.

Favourite Wiki: The King's Shadow: Power and Influence of Royal Favourites

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What is a Favourite?

Intimate Companion

A favourite was historically defined as the intimate companion of a ruler or other significant figure. In post-classical and early-modern Europe, this role often entailed delegation of substantial political power by the monarch.^[1] This phenomenon was particularly pronounced during the 16th and 17th centuries, a period when governance became increasingly complex for hereditary rulers who lacked interest or aptitude for administration, and political institutions were still evolving.

Delegation of Power

The term "favourite" is often associated with individuals who wielded significant political influence, acting as quasi-Prime Ministers. This was especially common between 1600 and 1660, with notable successions of powerful minister-favourites across Europe, including Spain, England, France, and Sweden.^[1] However, the term could also be used more broadly to avoid labels like "mistress," "friend," or "lover," as not all favourites engaged in sexual relationships with the monarch. Many were valued for their administrative skills or simply for their close friendship.

Defining the Term

The Oxford English Dictionary defines a favourite as "One who stands unduly high in the favour of a prince,"^[2] highlighting an inherent element of disapproval. William Shakespeare utilized this sentiment, writing, "Like favourites / Made proud by Princes."^[3] The term implies a level of closeness and influence that could be perceived as excessive or undeserved by others.

Historical Context

Medieval Roots and Early Modern Flourishing

While the concept of a favoured advisor is ancient, the specific role of the "favourite" as a powerful political figure gained prominence in post-classical and early-modern Europe. In the Middle Ages, nobles often rebelled to seize and kill favourites, viewing their close relationship with the monarch as a disruption of the natural order. Figures like Piers Gaveston, a favourite of Edward II of England, faced extreme opposition.^[4] Many favourites were elevated from humble backgrounds, leading to resentment and comparisons to "mushrooms" that sprang up overnight.^[4]

The Golden Age of Favourites

The 16th and 17th centuries are often considered the "golden age" of the minister-favourite. Monarchs, overwhelmed by the complexities of governance, delegated significant authority. Notable examples include Cardinal Richelieu and Cardinal Mazarin in France, the Duke of Lerma and Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares in Spain, and Axel Oxenstierna in Sweden. These figures often managed state affairs for decades, building extensive networks to support their rule.^[5]

Rise of Administrative Talent

Not all favourites were aristocrats. Some rose from minor noble families or even humble origins, leveraging their skills and the monarch's favour. Figures like Melchior Klesl, son of a Viennese baker, or Olivier le Daim, barber to Louis XI, exemplify this rise. However, such rapid ascents often fueled intense resentment among the established nobility.^[8]^[9] Successful favourites often needed to cultivate their own networks of subordinates, referred to as "créatures" or "hechuras."^[5]

The Dynamics of Favour

Envy and Loathing

Favourites inevitably attracted the envy and animosity of the nobility and other court factions. Their elevated status and perceived undue influence often led to political instability. Monarchs were frequently pressured to dismiss or even execute their favourites to appease discontented elites.^[4] The relationship was precarious, with favourites' downfall often precipitated by their own "over-reaching" personalities or rash behaviour.

Beyond Romance

While some favourites were also lovers or romantic partners of the monarch (or their spouse), this was not a universal requirement. Many were chosen for their administrative acumen, loyalty, or as close confidants. Figures like William Cecil, who served Elizabeth I for 40 years, or Jean-Baptiste Colbert, a key minister under Louis XIV, were primarily valued for their statecraft, though they certainly required and maintained the monarch's favour.^[6]^[17]

Public Perception

The term "favourite" itself carried negative connotations, suggesting favouritism that bypassed merit or established hierarchy. This dislike could be particularly intense when favourites were elevated from low social standing. The growing importance of the gentry and bourgeoisie also contributed to a broader public disapproval of favourites who were seen as unaccountable.^[4]

The Fading Influence

Rise of Parliament

In England, the increasing power of Parliament gradually eroded the scope for monarchs to delegate absolute political power to a single favourite. The assassination of the Duke of Buckingham in 1628 and the subsequent impeachment and execution of the Earl of Strafford in 1641 demonstrated the limits of royal favour when challenged by parliamentary opposition.^[18] Later English ministers often balanced royal favour with careers in Parliament.

Centralization of Power

In France, the trend moved in the opposite direction of England. Following Cardinal Mazarin's death in 1661, Louis XIV famously declared he would rule directly, centralizing power in his own hands. While he had capable ministers like Colbert and Louvois, none achieved the near-absolute authority previously held by Richelieu or Mazarin. The era of the powerful minister-favourite effectively ended in France.^{[Source text implies this shift]}

Shifting Spanish Court

In Spain, under the Habsburgs, the role of the valido (a Spanish term for favourite) also saw changes. While figures like the Duke of Lerma and Olivares wielded immense power, the concentration of authority into a single pair of hands began to weaken over time. Luis Méndez de Haro, Olivares' nephew, was the last true valido, indicating a gradual shift away from the absolute dominance of a single favourite.^[10] By the late 17th century, the traditional minister-favourite had largely declined across Europe, replaced by more institutionalized forms of government.

Favourites in Print

Dramatic Portrayals

The controversial nature of royal favourites made them a frequent subject in literature, particularly drama. Plays like Christopher Marlowe's Edward II, which features Piers Gaveston, and Ben Jonson's Sejanus His Fall, explored the dynamics of power, ambition, and downfall associated with these figures. Jonson faced scrutiny from the Privy Council over alleged allusions to the court of James I.^[14] Shakespeare, while more cautious, touched upon the theme through characters like Cardinal Wolsey in Henry VIII.^[15]

Philosophical Reflections

Philosophers and political thinkers also engaged with the concept. Francis Bacon, in his essay On Friendship, discussed the necessity and risks of monarchs elevating certain individuals to positions of near-equality, acknowledging the term "favourites" or "privadoes" used in modern languages. He noted that even the wisest rulers engaged in this practice, often purchasing this "fruit of friendship" at the hazard of their own safety.^[17] Tomás Fernández de Medrano, in República Mista, offered one of the earliest theoretical justifications, arguing that favourites served as necessary extensions of royal authority for effective governance.^[11]^[12]

Notable Figures

Ancient & Medieval

The concept of a favoured advisor spans millennia:

Ancient World: Hephaestion (Alexander the Great), Sejanus (Tiberius), Antinous (Hadrian), Cleander (Commodus).
Medieval Period: Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser the Younger (Edward II of England), Álvaro de Luna (John II of Castile), Robert Cochrane (James III of Scotland).

Renaissance & Early Modern

This era saw the peak of the minister-favourite:

Europe: Cardinal Richelieu & Cardinal Mazarin (France), Duke of Lerma & Count-Duke of Olivares (Spain), Axel Oxenstierna (Sweden), George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham (England), Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha (Ottoman Empire).
England: Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester (Elizabeth I), Sidney Godolphin.

Later Periods & Beyond

The role continued, albeit often with diminished power or different forms:

Russia: Alexander Menshikov (Peter the Great), Grigori Rasputin (Romanov family).
Other: Constantine Phaulkon (Ayutthaya Kingdom), Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (Queen Anne of Great Britain), Johann Friedrich Struensee (Christian VII of Denmark), Manuel de Godoy (Charles IV of Spain).
Mistresses: Diane de Poitiers (Henry II of France), Madame de Pompadour (Louis XV), Madame du Barry (Louis XV).

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References

s:Edward the Second

Norman Macdougall, James III (Edinburgh: John Donald, 1982), p. 251.

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Historical Context and Interpretation

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Historical interpretations can vary, and the portrayal of historical figures and events is subject to ongoing scholarly debate.

This is not professional historical analysis. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for in-depth academic research or consultation with professional historians. Always consult primary sources and scholarly works for a comprehensive understanding of historical topics.

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The King's Shadow

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is a Favourite? 👑

🤝 Intimate Companion

⚖️ Delegation of Power

📖 Defining the Term

Historical Context ⏳

🏰 Medieval Roots and Early Modern Flourishing

👑 The Golden Age of Favourites

📜 Rise of Administrative Talent

The Dynamics of Favour ⚖️

🔥 Envy and Loathing

🤝 Beyond Romance

🗣️ Public Perception

The Fading Influence 📉

🏛️ Rise of Parliament

🇫🇷 Centralization of Power

🇪🇸 Shifting Spanish Court

Favourites in Print 📚

🎭 Dramatic Portrayals

✍️ Philosophical Reflections

Notable Figures 👤

🏛️ Ancient & Medieval

👑 Renaissance & Early Modern

🇷🇺 Later Periods & Beyond

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Historical Context and Interpretation

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is a Favourite?

Intimate Companion

Delegation of Power

Defining the Term

Historical Context

Medieval Roots and Early Modern Flourishing

The Golden Age of Favourites

Rise of Administrative Talent

The Dynamics of Favour

Envy and Loathing

Beyond Romance

Public Perception

The Fading Influence

Rise of Parliament

Centralization of Power

Shifting Spanish Court

Favourites in Print

Dramatic Portrayals

Philosophical Reflections

Notable Figures

Ancient & Medieval

Renaissance & Early Modern

Later Periods & Beyond

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

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Discover other topics to study!

References

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Disclaimer

Historical Context and Interpretation