Geoffrey Treasure Boeken

"Louis XIV changed the course of French history. His kingship was a sustained tour de force and his reign among the most important in the history of Europe. Though less powerful in practice than in absolutist theory and propaganda, the reign of Louis XIV still represents the apogee of French royal power in the ancient regime." "The age of Louis XIV was a period of French dominance, advances in government, great influence abroad and rich cultural achievement. Majestic in conception, bold in ambition and splendid in image and ceremony, the monarchy of Louis XIV set standards and posed questions which have challenged us ever since." "Louis XIV has consistenly provoked both adulation and hostility to the present day. Geoffrey Treasure expertly manages a balance between these poles by setting Louis in the style and thinking of the period. He evaluates the propaganda and manages to unravel and detach the real Louis from the images and representations."--Jacket

The book features 51 concise biographies of British prime ministers, spanning from Sir Robert Walpole to Tony Blair, highlighting how each individual shaped the role in response to their contemporary challenges. An introductory essay outlines the evolution of the prime minister's position, while a preface by Lord Butler offers additional insights into the current dynamics of the office. This collection provides a comprehensive overview of the political landscape and the influential figures who have defined British leadership over the centuries.

Focusing on the life of a pivotal figure in early modern French history, the narrative explores Mazarin's journey from a Jesuit pupil to a key advisor for Louis XIII and mentor to Louis XIV. It highlights his significant contributions during the Fronde, his diplomatic efforts that concluded the Thirty Years War and the Franco-Spanish War, as well as his influence on the survival of absolute monarchy. The book situates his life within the broader context of a transforming government, illustrating the complexities of his era.

Profiles historically significant men and women who lived in Britain between 1789 and 1837.

Focusing on the dynamic developments in Europe, this classic text examines the interplay of growth, economy, politics, warfare, and religion during a pivotal historical period. It delves into the lives and beliefs of the people, providing a comprehensive understanding of their environment. This re-issue serves as an essential resource for students of European history, making it a valuable addition to any field study.

The book offers a comparative analysis of two influential statesmen, Richelieu and Mazarin, highlighting their distinct approaches to governance. It evaluates their careers and achievements, utilizing insights from contemporary research to provide a deeper understanding of their impact on political history. Through this examination, readers gain a nuanced perspective on their differing strategies and legacies in the context of their time.

Part of an eight-volume series that features the men and women of British history from Roman times to the end of Queen Victoria's reign. The biographical essays are arranged in a broadly chronological sequence, and the subjects include artists, explorers, scientists and eccentrics.

Following the Reformation, a growing number of radical Protestants came together to live and worship in Catholic France. The Huguenots survived persecution and armed conflict to win freedom of worship, civil rights and unique status as a protected minority. In 1685, following renewed persecution, the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes abolished their remaining rights. Choosing faith over home, over 200,000 Huguenots fled across Europe and, soon, further afield. In this magnificent book, Geoffrey Treasure explores what it was like to be a Huguenot through their rise, survival and fall, from power politics to religious practice and the psychological pressures of living in a threatened 'state within a state'. Over a span of a century and a half he weaves together political and religious concerns, those of statesmen, feudal magnates and leading figures of the Catholic revival, a Catherine de Medici seeking compromise, a Louis XIV requiring unity, with the stories of ordinary citizens leading extraordinary lives.