The French kingdom dissolved into civil wars, known as the "wars of religion," for a generation from 1562 to 1598. This book examines the reactions of France's governing groups to that experience. Their major political endeavour was securing peace. They attempted to achieve it through a religious pluralism not envisaged in any other state on this scale in this period. Its achievement would only be fulfilled, however, alongside a reform of the kingdom's institutions and society. Peace and reform went hand in hand --a moral agenda for restoration.
France's notables drew on reservoirs of...

In the crucible of intellectual change that took place in the seventeenth century, the role of Samuel Hartlib was of immense significance. Hartlib (originally from Elbing) settled in England permanently from the late 1620s until his death in 1662. His aspirations formed a distinctive and influential strand in English intellectual life during those revolutionary decades. This volume reflects the variety of the theoretical and practical interests of Hartlib's circle and presents them in their continental context.

This study considers why - despite a vigorous pre-reform movement - an apparent welcome for the writings of French-speaking reformers like Calvin, and the beginnings of a powerful church organization - Protestantism failed to take hold in France.

This is a story of brilliance, order and sophistication, of supreme confidence and great achievement - that begins in uncertainty and ends in iconoclasm.

This study was the first systematic attempt to reach behind the myth of Henri IV - famous for having brought order to France after long civil war - and explores the reality of his achievement. This Second Edition has been substantially updated.

Providing a revision of historical perspective, this updated edition takes account of current research on the nature of propaganda, sectarian conflict, the operations of aristocratic patronage and the nature of provincial and municipal politics during the French civil wars.