The Origins of French Absolutism, 1598-1661

An attention grabbing, controversial study of the power of legendary Cardinals Richelieu and Mazarin and the success of the French Monarchy between 1598 - 1661. This book turns the idea of royal ‘absolutism’ on its head by redefining, and not trying to deny, the French monarchy’s success from 1598 - 1661.

Organised thematically, this book examines the key priorities of government in turn to come to an assessment of the success of French absolutism, defined in its own terms.

This controversial study takes the provocative line that the French monarchy was a complete success. James turns the idea of royal ‘absolutism’ on its head by redefining the French monarchy’s success from 1598 - 1661.

The Origins of French Absolutism, 1598-1661 maintains that building blocks were not being laid by the so-called architects of absolutism, but that by satisfying long-established, traditional ambitions, cardinal ministers Richelieu and Mazarin undoubtedly made the confident, ambitious reign of the late century possible.