Origins of French Absolutism 1598-1661

<p>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 monarchys success from 1598 - 1661. </p><p><em>The Origins of French Absolutism 1598-1661</em> 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.</p>