Classes, Estates and Order in Early-Modern Brittany (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521533140)

This book uses the Breton experience to address two fundamental historiographical issues: the meaning of absolutism and the nature of early-modern French society. It abandons the old framework that opposed orders to classes, and instead seeks to find the central meaning of the evolution of the French state in the maintenance of order (especially the preservation of property). Professor Collins's main purpose, illustrated by his fusion of economic, social and institutional approaches, is to combine social and political/institutional history, so long separated in works on this field. Contrary to much received wisdom, Professor Collins argues that absolutism was more facade than reality, and that French society was much more mobile than generally believed.

Author: James B. Collins,Collins James B.
ISBN-10: 0521533147
ISBN-13: 9780521533140
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 01/30/2003
Pages: 332
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.07lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.74d