Mazarin: The Crisis of Absolutism in France / Edition 1

by Geoffrey Treasure

Overview

Mazarin was the model statesman of the early modern period in French history. This book follows his career from pupil of the Jesuits, through legate in Paris and Avignon, to service for Louis XIII and beyond. Mazarin's role in the survival of absolute monarchy during the upheavals of the Fronde and his guidance of the young Louis XIV are given full weight. His crucial part in many diplomatic exchanges, and in particular those which brought an end to the Thirty Years War and the Franco-Spanish War, is examined in detail. His life is placed in the context of a study of the times, highlighting the rapidly changing nature of government.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415162111
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/27/1997
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Family Tree, Maps, Preface, Part I Giulio Mazarini, Papal Diplomat, 1. THE YOUNG ROMAN, 2. THE POLITICS OF ROME, 3. MANTUA: CRISIS AND OPPORTUNITY, 4. EARLY FAME, 5. NUNCIO EXTRAORDINARY, 6. THE CALL OF FRANCE, Part II. French Service, 7. CARDINAL MAZARIN, 8. ANNE, QUEEN MOTHER AND REGENT, 9. THE ADOPTED LAND: POVERTY AND DISORDER, 10. PUBLIC FINANCE, PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, 11. PREMIER MINISTRE, 12. ROYAL ABSOLUTISM: THEORIES AND TRADITIONS, Part III. The Fronde, 13. CLOUDY SKIES, 14. THE GATHERING STORM, 15. THE CHAMBRE ST LOUIS, 16. THE DECLARATION OF SAINT-GERMAIN, 17. THE FIRST CIVIL WAR, 18. DIVIDE AND RULE, 19. THE WAR OF THE PRINCESSES, 20. THE FIRST EXILE, 21. MAZARIN RETURNS, 22. THE DEFEAT OF CONDÉ, 23. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, 24. THE FRONDE CONSIDERED, Part IV. War and Peace, 25. TOWARDS WESTPHALIA, 26. THE LONG HAUL, 27. GERMAN APPROACHES, 28. THE ENGLISH ALLIANCE, 29. PEACE WITH SPAIN, 30. ARBITER OF PEACE, Part V. Money Matters, 31. FOUQUET, 32. THE GREATEST PRIVATE FORTUNE, Part VI. Conscience and Policy, 33. THE GREAT AGE OF SOULS, 34. THE CHALLENGE OF PORT ROYAL, 35. THE LAST YEAR, 36. A CHRISTIAN DEATH, Glossary, Notes, Bibliography, Index

Editorial Reviews

..."substance with style...."
-Canadian Journal of History, April 1998
"This synthesis should remain the standard English-language biography of Mazarin for years to come."
-"American Historical Review, 2/98
"This is a fine life-and-times, full of sensible judgments and explanations. Mr. Treasure has worked his way carefully through the period of Mazarin's lifetime, 1602-1661, and has reflected deeply on the principal characters and their motives...."
-"Sixteenth Century Journal, winter 1996
"This excellent work is the first avilable in English since Arthur Hassell's biography of Mazarin of 1903....In addition to the biographical narrative, Treasure's "Mazarin includes concise chapters describing the social and financial posture of France during the period, seventy pages of lively, expansive and judgmental notes that are themselves worthy of a review, and a glossary of French words appropriate to the work. "Mazarin would be appreciated by professional historians, students, and the general reading public. It should become the definitive biography of Mazarin in English for the forseeable future."
-"History, winter 1997
"The numerous years of research which have gone into this volume marks this work as a superb study of a time where only civil revolts and political turmoil prevailed in the daily lives of its citizens. Highly recommended."
-"Historical Media Review, 6/96

From the Publisher

Agues that Mazarin, who became First Minister of France in 1643, was a remarkable statesman despite the reputation as a charlatan and adventurer he had acquired by the time he died in office 18 years later. Discusses his role in the survival of absolute monarchy during the upheavals of the Fronde, his guidance of the young Louis XIV, and his diplomatic contributions to ending the Thirty Years War and the Franco Spanish War. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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