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The Politics of Religion in Early Modern France

Joseph Bergin author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Yale University Press

Published:23rd Oct '14

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The Politics of Religion in Early Modern France cover

Rich in detail and broad in scope, this majestic book is the first to reveal the interaction of politics and religion in France during the crucial years of the long seventeenth century. Joseph Bergin begins with the Wars of Religion, which proved to be longer and more violent in France than elsewhere in Europe and left a legacy of unresolved tensions between church and state with serious repercussions for each. He then draws together a series of unresolved problems—both practical and ideological—that challenged French leaders thereafter, arriving at an original and comprehensive view of the close interrelations between the political and spiritual spheres of the time.
 
The author considers the powerful religious dimension of French royal power even in the seventeenth century, the shift from reluctant toleration of a Protestant minority to increasing aversion, conflicts over the independence of the Catholic church and the power of the pope over secular rulers, and a wealth of other interconnected topics.

'A masterful treatment ... [Bergin is] always convincing, sure and subtle in his historical judgements ... A consummately accomplished treatment of the relation between religion and politics in late sixteenth- and seventeenth-century France and a totally reliable history of each of its many subplots.'-Dale K. Van Kley, History -- Dale K. Van Kley History "One must admire Bergin's ability to explain so clearly and concisely some very difficult and complex political, theological and ecclesiastical issues. It is the best, most thought-provoking, and masterful synthesis available."-Eric Nelson, English Historical Review -- Eric Nelson English Historical Review "Perhaps no one but Joseph Bergin could have written this book, as it is probably the crowning work of his long career studying the Catholic Church in France during the seventeenth century... Well written and persuasive, it will likely be a long time before it is superseded."-Frederic J. Baumgartner, Catholic Historical Review -- Frederic J. Baumgartner Catholic Historical Review

ISBN: 9780300207699

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 803g

392 pages