Brief Description
A new interpretation of the development of the French army during Louis XIV's reign.
Learn More about the Book
This book presents a new interpretation of the development of the French army during the "personal rule" of Louis XIV. Based on massive archival research, it examines the army not only as a military institution but also as a political, social and economic organism. Guy Rowlands asserts that the key to the development of Louis XIV's armed forces was the king's determination to acknowledge and satisfy the military, political, social and cultural aspirations of his officers, and maintain the solid standing of the Bourbon dynasty.
Review Quotes
1. "Guy Rowlands' new book, a history of the French army during Louis XIV's personal rule, represents an important contribution to our understanding of seventeenth-centruy France. Drawing on impressive research in manuscript sources-notably ministerial correspondence housed in the French army's archives, complemented by judicious use of printed memoirs by French nobles who served as high officers-Rowlands reconstructs how the army was organized, financed, and commanded between 1659 and 1715. Rowlands' study of the nuts and bolts of army administration sheds considerable light not only on the history of war, but also on the history of the nobility, of finance, and of the state." Sixteenth Century Journal, Paul Cohen, Universite de Paris-VIII (Vincennes-Saint Denis)
2. 'This is an extraordinarily well-researched and important book which does much more than improve our understanding of the administration of the army under Louis XIV; it forces us to reconsider the very nature of the late seventeenth-century state.' The English Historical Review
3. 'This is an impressive study, founded on extensive research in the French army archives, one which throws important light on Louis XIV, his military and his nobility ... Guy Rowlands has made an important contribution to the history of the armed forces of the Sun King, one with important implications for our understanding of army, government and society - and their interaction - elsewhere in ancien regime Europe.' Christopher Storrs, University of Dundee, Journal of Continuity and Change
4. ..."ambitious and provacative..."
- Seventeenth-Century News
5. ..."represents an important contribution to our understanding of seventeenth-centruy France... Rowlands' study of the nuts and bolts of army administration sheds considerable light not only on the history of war, but also on the history of the nobility, of finance, and of the state."
- Sixteenth Century Journal, Paul Cohen, Universite de Paris-VIII (Vincennes-Saint Denis)
6. .,."ambitious and provacative..." - Seventeenth-Century News
7. .,."represents an important contribution to our understanding of seventeenth-centruy France... Rowlands' study of the nuts and bolts of army administration sheds considerable light not only on the history of war, but also on the history of the nobility, of finance, and of the state." - Sixteenth Century Journal, Paul Cohen, Universite de Paris-VIII (Vincennes-Saint Denis)
8. ."..ambitious and provacative..." - Seventeenth-Century News
9. ."..represents an important contribution to our understanding of seventeenth-centruy France... Rowlands' study of the nuts and bolts of army administration sheds considerable light not only on the history of war, but also on the history of the nobility, of finance, and of the state." - Sixteenth Century Journal, Paul Cohen, Universit de Paris-VIII (Vincennes-Saint Denis)
10. ..".ambitious and provacative..." - Seventeenth-Century News
11. "Rowlands's book is monumental in scope, superbly researched and written, and highly original, overturning many accepted interpretations. It is an impressive tour de force."
- Journal of Interdisciplinary History
12. "Valuable.... Based on solid archival research..."
- The Journal of Military History
13. "In this generally excellent and important study, Guy Rowlands displays a mastery of military administration, monachical practice, and elite society that raises the bar for discussing the state and the army of Louis XIV."
- Journal of Modern History
14. ..".represents an important contribution to our understanding of seventeenth-centruy France... Rowlands' study of the nuts and bolts of army administration sheds considerable light not only on the history of war, but also on the history of the nobility, of finance, and of the state."
- Sixteenth Century Journal, Paul Cohen, Universite de Paris-VIII (Vincennes-Saint Denis)"
15. "Guy Rowlands has given us an important book, indespensable reading for everyone in the field."
- Canadian Journal of History, John J. Hurt, University of Delaware
16. ..".ambitious and provacative..."
- Seventeenth-Century News
