The French Wars of Religion 1559-1598

GENERAL EDITORS:

CLIVE EMSLEY & GORDON MARTEL

Each book in the Seminar Studies in History series provides a concise and reliable introduction to complex events and debates. Written by acknowledged experts and supported by extracts from historical Documents, a Chronology, Glossary, Whos Who of key figures and Guide to Further Reading, Seminar Studies in History are the essential guides to understanding a topic.

In the second half of the sixteenth century, France was racked by religious civil wars and peace was only restored when Henry of Navarre finally converted to Catholicism, deciding in his immortal phrase that 'Paris is worth a mass'.

In this lucid introduction to a complex period in French history, Robert Knecht:

• Explains the evangelical and Lutheran origins of the Huguenot Church in France
• Challenges simplistic interpretations of the religious conflict as purely a cloak for political rebellion
• Provides concise analysis of the wars themselves and the ferment of political ideas which they generated
• Evaluates the extent of Frances recovery under Henry IV

This third edition has been updated throughout to take account of the latest scholarship, particularly on the Massacre of St. Bartholomew and the reign of Henry III when the monarchy almost succumbed to the challenge posed by the Catholic League.  There is a new colour plate section and the main text is supported by a full glossary of terms, maps and three detailed genealogical tables, as well as a carefully chosen selection of original documents.

 R. J. KNECHT is Emeritus Professor of French history, University of Birmingham.