Historical biography, Gli ultimi anni di Carlo V by William H. Prescott examines the final phase of Emperor Charles V’s life, from his abdication to his death in the monastery of Yuste. Drawing on detailed archival research, Prescott reconstructs the emperor’s political disillusionment, physical decline, and spiritual introspection. The book blends narrative history with analysis, shedding light on imperial legacy, dynastic struggles, and the shifting landscape of 16th-century Europe. A classic of Anglo-American historiography, it provides a reflective portrait of power, retreat, and the human dimension of empire.