The demands of ruling over the greatest number of territories ever accumulated by any European ruler role and the seeming impossibility of achieving peace in Europe proved too great, and the disillusioned Emperor retired to the monastery of San Yuste, where legend has it his ghost continues to advise the Spanish monarchs. This major new book offers a chance to see Charles against the background of turmoil and unprecedented European expansion. It is an important study in ideas of kingship and dynasty, showing the last medieval emperor defending the ideals of Catholic Christendom.