Louis XIV, 1661-1715 (Seminar Studies in History)

`The Sun King has always been over-exposed -- a habit he started himself. Here is the student's antidote to boredom. Campbell has produced the best short guide available and a vigorous synthesis of the latest research, complete with extensive bibliography, unfamiliar documents and vital glossary. Fresh material abounds and a misconception is demolished on every page. There is no sign here of reheating old recipes.' History Review Cover Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Introduction to the Series Acknowledgements Dedication Introduction Part One: The Background 1. Historical Background The political situation in 1661 Economy and society The social politics of royal finance Justice and administration Part Two: Analysis 2. King, Court and Ministers 3. The Years of Reform Finance Tithes, indirect taxes, rentes, the General Farm Administrative order: parlements, intendants, provincial assemblies Public order: revolts, the Grand Jours, the police, the legal codes The economy Art and architecture: the imagery of gloire The price of glory The military reforms of Le Tellier and Louvois 4. Foreign Policy The Dutch War The reunions The Nine Years War The War of the Spanish Succession 5. Church and State 6. The Later Decades The court and politics The intendants in perspective Financing the wars Criticism of the royal policies The economy The monarchy and reform Part Three: Assessment Part Four: Documents Glossary Appendix 1: Chronology of the Reign Appendix 2: Revenue and Expenditure Appendix 3: Louis XIV's Family Tree Bibliography Index "Seminar Studies in History" aims to bridge the gap between the standardized textbook and the specialist survey. Each book consists of a brief introduction or background to the subject, followed by a section of analysis focusing on the main themes and issues.