War and Government in the French Provinces

by David Potter

Overview

Few studies of the history of provincial France have hitherto spanned the conventional medieval/early-modern divide, and David Potter's detailed examination of war and government in Picardy, a region of France hitherto neglected by historians, has much to say about the development of French absolutism. Picardy emerged as a province after the campaigns of 1470–1477, and its experience of the first period of absolutism provides an enlightening contrast with that of other, more outlying provinces: the Picard nobility was notable for the extent of its participation in the army, the court and the government of France. David Potter provides a detailed analysis of the organisation of French military power in the province, and its impact during the period of the Habsburg-Valois wars. The work concludes with Picardy about to enter a difficult period of civil war.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521893008
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/13/2003
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	412
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.25(h) x 1.38(d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; Notes on transcriptions of documents, units of money and measures; Introduction; 1. Return to allegiance: Picardy and the Franco-Burgundian Wars, 1470–93; 2. The provincial governors and politics; 3. The governors' staff and household; 4. The Picard nobility and royal service; 5. Military organisation in Picardy during the Habsburg-Valois wars; 6. 'Les fruictz que la guerre rapporte': the effects of war on the Picard countryside, 1521–60; 7. War, taxation and the towns; 8. Peace negotiations and the formation of the frontier in Picardy, 1521–60; Conclusion; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

'… the produce of outstandingly wide archival research. … he is superbly equipped to analyse the intricate dynamics of warfare, politics and administration … this study makes a very valuable contribution to our understanding of the development of the early-modern state.' Archives

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