1st Edition

Mazarin The Crisis of Absolutism in France

By Geoffrey Treasure Copyright 1995

    Mazarin was the model statesman of the early modern period in French history. This book follows his career from pupil of the Jesuits, through legate in Paris and Avignon, to service for Louis XIII and beyond. Mazarin's role in the survival of absolute monarchy during the upheavals of the Fronde and his guidance of the young Louis XIV are given full weight. His crucial part in many diplomatic exchanges, and in particular those which brought an end to the Thirty Years War and the Franco-Spanish War, is examined in detail. His life is placed in the context of a study of the times, highlighting the rapidly changing nature of government.

    Family Tree, Maps, Preface, Part I Giulio Mazarini, Papal Diplomat, 1. THE YOUNG ROMAN, 2. THE POLITICS OF ROME, 3. MANTUA: CRISIS AND OPPORTUNITY, 4. EARLY FAME, 5. NUNCIO EXTRAORDINARY, 6. THE CALL OF FRANCE, Part II. French Service, 7. CARDINAL MAZARIN, 8. ANNE, QUEEN MOTHER AND REGENT, 9. THE ADOPTED LAND: POVERTY AND DISORDER, 10. PUBLIC FINANCE, PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, 11. PREMIER MINISTRE, 12. ROYAL ABSOLUTISM: THEORIES AND TRADITIONS, Part III. The Fronde, 13. CLOUDY SKIES, 14. THE GATHERING STORM, 15. THE CHAMBRE ST LOUIS, 16. THE DECLARATION OF SAINT-GERMAIN, 17. THE FIRST CIVIL WAR, 18. DIVIDE AND RULE, 19. THE WAR OF THE PRINCESSES, 20. THE FIRST EXILE, 21. MAZARIN RETURNS, 22. THE DEFEAT OF CONDÉ, 23. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, 24. THE FRONDE CONSIDERED, Part IV. War and Peace, 25. TOWARDS WESTPHALIA, 26. THE LONG HAUL, 27. GERMAN APPROACHES, 28. THE ENGLISH ALLIANCE, 29. PEACE WITH SPAIN, 30. ARBITER OF PEACE, Part V. Money Matters, 31. FOUQUET, 32. THE GREATEST PRIVATE FORTUNE, Part VI. Conscience and Policy, 33. THE GREAT AGE OF SOULS, 34. THE CHALLENGE OF PORT ROYAL, 35. THE LAST YEAR, 36. A CHRISTIAN DEATH, Glossary, Notes, Bibliography, Index

    Biography

    Geoffrey Treasure