R. J. Knecht Book order

The book explores the tumultuous period of the late sixteenth century in France, marked by religious civil wars that deeply divided the nation. It highlights the pivotal moment when Henry of Navarre converted to Catholicism, famously asserting that "Paris is worth a mass," which ultimately led to the restoration of peace. Authored by expert Robert Knecht, it serves as a clear introduction to this complex historical context, accompanied by primary documents, a chronology, glossary, and insights into key figures, making it an essential resource for understanding the era.

R.J. Knecht has written a gripping narrative of one of the most controversial of all historical figures, Catherine de'Medici (1519-89), who was the wife of one king of three more. She was powerful enough to be hated and was -- in her own lifetime and since -- the subject of a "Black Legend".

"The Renaissance in France, as elsewhere in Europe, saw glory crowned amidst conflict and squalor. At the beginning of the sixteenth century, France seemed set to become the most powerful nation in Europe, but as the century ebbed so did her fortunes. In between, during a century of more or less permanent combat which murdered the dreams, comforts and relatives of many Frenchmen and saw a soaring economy shot down, some of the greatest building, painting and thinking to come out of the whole European Renaissance was being done. Sixteenth century France was a colourful, confusing and often downright fatal habitat, and we moderns might profitably look on the complexity of its successes and failures, to which Professor Knecht is a matchlessly illuminating and genial guide."--Jacket

Cold, clever and ruthless, Richelieu governed France for 18 years until his death. Recent interpretations have been more favourable, and in this study, the author uses recent research to reassess his career and achievements