ABSTRACT
This controversial study takes the provocative line that the French monarchy was a complete success. James turns the idea of royal ‘absolutism’ on its head by redefining the French monarchy’s success from 1598 - 1661.
The Origins of French Absolutism, 1598-1661 maintains that building blocks were not being laid by the so-called architects of absolutism, but that by satisfying long-established, traditional ambitions, cardinal ministers Richelieu and Mazarin undoubtedly made the confident, ambitious reign of the late century possible.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |14 pages
The Background
chapter |12 pages
Early Bourbon Monarchy
part |67 pages
Analysis
chapter |16 pages
Religion
chapter |15 pages
War
chapter |19 pages
Government
chapter |15 pages
Social Order
part |13 pages
Assessment
chapter |11 pages
The Origins of French Absolutism?
part |28 pages
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