Description
Book SynopsisThis is the 2005 second edition of a comprehensive study of the French wars of religion. Focusing on the social history of religion, it argues that this conflict was fomented by religious tensions among the population at large. The text has been updated and the 'Suggestions for further reading' entirely re-written.
Trade Review'This book is the first comprehensive study of the wars to appear for over twenty years … it succeeds admirably in steering the reader through the confusing morass that is the history of the French Wars of Religion and provides the reader with a concise summary of current academic thinking on the matter … it would provide those members wishing to learn more about the ones with an excellent starting point.' Arquebusier 24:3
'Using brief biographies of the main actors of that time, figures, maps and an index, this book deals with a great amount of facts, questions, and ideas in a limited number of pages. Well written and carefully presented, it is a good and useful synthesis which gives an excellent overview of a deeply controversial period.' Bulletin de la Société d'Histoire Moderne et Contemporaine 3-4
'A skillful weaver of narrative and analysis... Holt .... offer[s] [a] masterful probing of complex and fascinating issues.' Renaissance and Reformation
'Holt... develops both a comprehensive narrative of the wars and an important synthesis of the scholarly literature... The book is balanced and extremely enjoyable to read.' Sixteenth Century Journal
Table of ContentsIntroduction; Chronological table of events; 1. Prologue: Gallicanism and reform in the sixteenth century; 2. 'The beginning of a tragedy': the early wars of religion, 1562–70; 3. Popular disorder and religious tensions: the making of a massacre, 1570–4; 4. The rhetoric of resistance: the unmaking of the body politic, 1574–84; 5. Godly warriors: the crisis of the league, 1584–93; 6. Henry IV and the edict of Nantes: the remaking of Gallicanism; 7. Epilogue: the last war of religion, 1610–29; 8. Conclusions: economic impact, social change and absolutism; Short biographies; Genealogical charts; Suggestions for further reading.
