Synopses & Reviews
The years between the Fronde and the French Revolution were the longest period of calm in French history. For much of it, France dominated the international scene in Europe and made efforts to achieve a comparable role in the wider world. Meanwhile, French cultural achievements set standards imitated everywhere. This volume, bringing together an international team of contributors, surveys the full variety of the period on its own terms rather than as a mere prelude to later revolutionary upheavals.
Synopsis
Bringing together an international panel of historians, this book examines France between two revolutions, a time later known as the old regime. All aspects of French life are covered: the economy, social development, religion and culture, French activity overseas, and politics and public life. A detailed chronology and full bibliography complete this compelling analysis.
About the Author
William Doyle has been Professor of Historical Studies at the University of Bristol since 1986, and is a Fellow of the British Academy. He is author of Origins of the French Revolution (3rd edition, 1999), The Oxford History of the French Revolution (1989), Venality. The Sale of Offices in eighteenth century France (1996), and Jansenism (2000).
Table of Contents
Introduction,
William Doyle1. The economy, Joel Felix
2. Society, Gail Bossenga
3. Culture and religion, David A. Bell
4. France overseas, Gillian Thompson and Pierre Boulle
5. The state and political culture, Julian Swann
6. Politics: Louis XIV, William Doyle
7. Politics: Louis XV, Julian Swann
8. Politics: Louis XIV, Munro Price
Conclusion, William Doyle
Further Reading
Chronology
Maps