ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book draws on specialist disciplines from anthropology via sociology on to the more familiar shores of historical analysis. It addresses the seeming paradox of its sub-title: ‘civic ritual and royal entries in wartime’. The book explains the diplomatic role of ceremony, even in wartime, by focusing on the European conquests of Swedish monarchs who into the eighteenth century led military campaigns in person. It focuses on the elevation of Prince Johann Seyfried, owner of Schloss Eggenberg, to a significant position among contemporary first families. The book examines festival events and the temporary and permanent architecture which helped to influence the prevailing political climate, in this case of Milan. It suggests that strong private motivations – with distinct political implications – which in this instance informed festival events in the public realm.
