Product Description

This is a lucid account of one the most turbulent periods of French history. The author not only surveys the wars and the political ideas which they generated but also examines the effects of the wars on the French state, economy and society before evaluating the extent of France's recovery under Henry IV.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #321049 in Books
• Published on: 1996-03-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 151 pages

Review

'R J Knecht is a notable expert in this field, so the reputation of this series cannot fail to be enhanced by this volume'

Teaching History

Synopsis
This famous series examines key themes in British, European and World history in short, succinct volumes. The text is supported by primary material in a Documents section, a full bibliography and an index; where appropriate there are maps, chronologies and glossaries. All the books in the series are written by experts in the field who are not only familiar with the latest research but have often contributed to it. Works of scholarship in their own right, the books also provide a survey of current historical interpretations. Longman has now inaugurated a major programme of renewal and expansion for Seminar Studies, with many new titles and new editions in the pipeline. Existing books are being re-presented in a larger, more reader-friendly format as they reprint; and new books and new editions are being reset into an entirely new page design. 'R.J.Knecht is a notable expert in this field, so the reputation of this series cannot fail to be enhanced by this volume...'Teaching History of the First EditionThis Seminar Study provides the reader with a lucid introduction to a complex period of French history. In the second half of the sixteenth century France was racked by religious civil wars and peace was only restored when Henry of Navarre finally converted to Catholicism, deciding - in his immortal phrase - that 'Paris is worth a mass'. Professor Knecht begins his study by explaining how the Huguenot Church grew out of the evangelicalism of the early sixteenth century and of the failure of Francis I to check the influx of Lutheranism. He then goes on to show how the rivalry between leading noble houses developed into political and religious conflict, challenging the assumption that religion was used merely as a cloak for rebellion. He provides a succinct analysis of the wars themselves and considers the ferment of political ideas which they generated. The subject is set in its widest context as the author looks at the effect which the wars had on the French state, economy and society and the author concludes his study by evalutating the extent of France's recovery under Henry IV.For this the Second Edition the author has taken the opportunity to rewrite the core chapter on the Massacre of St Bartholomew in the light of the latest research. He has also improved the structure of the book and updated the bibliography. As ever the main text is supported by a full glossary of terms, maps and three detailed genealogical tables.R. J. Knecht is Emeritus Professor of French history, University of Birmingham.Cover: The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Day, 24 August 1572 by Fran?ois Dubois. Reproduced courtesy of E T Archives/Museum of Fine Arts, Lausanne.

From the Back Cover
This famous series examines key themes in British, European and World history in short, succinct volumes. The text is supported by primary material in a Documents section, a full bibliography and an index; where appropriate there are maps, chronologies and glossaries. All the books in the series are written by experts in the field who are not only familiar with the latest research but have often contributed to it. Works of scholarship in their own right, the books also provide a survey of current historical interpretations. Longman has now inaugurated a major programme of renewal and expansion for Seminar Studies, with many new titles and new editions in the pipeline. Existing books are being re-presented in a larger, more reader-friendly format as they reprint; and new books and new editions are being reset into an entirely new page design.
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'R.J.Knecht is a notable expert in this field, so the reputation of this series cannot fail to be enhanced by this volume...'Teaching History of the First Edition
This Seminar Study provides the reader with a lucid introduction to a complex period of French history. In the second half of the sixteenth century France was racked by religious civil wars and peace was only restored when Henry of Navarre finally converted to Catholicism, deciding - in his immortal phrase - that 'Paris is worth a mass'. Professor Knecht begins his study by explaining how the Huguenot Church grew out of the evangelicalism of the early sixteenth century and of the failure of Francis I to check the influx of Lutheranism. He then goes on to show how the rivalry between leading noble houses developed into political and religious conflict, challenging the assumption that religion was used merely as a cloak for rebellion. He provides a succinct analysis of the wars themselves and considers the ferment of political ideas which they generated. The subject is set in its widest context as the author looks at the effect which the wars had on the French state, economy and society and the author concludes his study by evalutating the extent of France's recovery under Henry IV.
For this the Second Edition the author has taken the opportunity to rewrite the core chapter on the Massacre of St Bartholomew in the light of the latest research. He has also improved the structure of the book and updated the bibliography. As ever the main text is supported by a full glossary of terms, maps and three detailed genealogical tables.
R. J. Knecht is Emeritus Professor of French history, University of Birmingham.
Cover- The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Day, 24 August 1572 by François Dubois. Reproduced courtesy of E T Archives/Museum of Fine Arts, Lausanne.

Customer Reviews

Invaluable Reading when studying The French Wars of Religion
I've recently had to write an A-Level History course essay on this topic, and I don't think I could have managed without it.

Without a doubt, it provided the most informative and in-depth look into the Wars of any of the books I could find in my school or public libraries.
It's easy reading if you are fluent and enjoy reading, but also set in logical sections so if you struggle with masses in one go, you can limit yourself to a section at a time. (Brilliant!)

The book considers the causes and consequences of the Wars also, and boosts a massive document section. Although I used few of these and instead dipped into areas I needed to.

You could skip most of the Background to be honest, unless you are literally being introduced to the topic of religion in sixteenth century Europe.

People in my class were literally arguing over this book because of its informative and sensible approach- as expected from the Seminar Studies range. Look out for them on other topics!

Another triumph for Knecht in the field of French history
I was first introduced to Knecht's work at Lancaster University where I am a second year history student. One unit I am taking is the construction of absolutist France and I was amazed at how many publications Knecht has written on this area. One period I am studying within this course is the Wars of Religion and the book in question is an excellent guide to a tricky subject. Without over simplifying the content, he shows not only what happens but why. This obviously proves invaluable when a tutor is looking for an intelligent explanation of events. Knecht's structure of writing is clear and easy to follow and he continues to keep it in the reader's mind that there were many reasons for the wars, not just religion because France, and indeed Europe, was not as simple as that. Overall, Knecht's book is not too heavy going but at the same time it is a very detailed account. Although I am a second year at uni, I think this book would be just as helpful to people at A-level as it would be to those merley wishing for a brief insight into this fascinating period of European history.