`This book is a superb and unique means of introducing newcomers to the political and military events that shaped the course of the war. It is the rare example of a user-friendly, single-volume edition of primary sources that covers all aspects of one of the most important and protracted wars in early modern Europe.'---Michael Schaich, Research Fellow and Head Librarian, German Historical Institute, London, UK<BR><BR>The Thirty Years War (1618-48) was the most destructive European conflict prior to the twentieth century. It reduced the population of central Europe by around a quarter and left thousands of towns and villages in ruins.<BR><BR>This uniquely comprehensive collection of translated documents covers all aspects of the war in the words and images of those who directly experienced it, from the key political and military decision-makers, through the middling ranks of officers and envoys, to the masses of ordinary soldiers and civilians, laity and clergy, women and men.<BR><BR>Most of the material appears in English for the first time, including a variety of previously unpublished archival sources, all reproduced in their full original length.<BR><BR>Thematically organised, the material is supported by an authoritative introduction, a guide to further reading and a full chronology, as well as extensive annotations explaining terms and points of detail. The rich source material and essential context that this book provides make it an invaluable resource for students and anyone interested in European and military history.