Ancien Regime

In the mid-18th century – at the height of the power struggle between France and England and the political ferment of both nations – a French spy with a peculiar personal agenda came to prominence in London. Jonathan Conlin tells his story.

Already rocked by defeats in the War of the Spanish Succession, Louis XIV’s France faced economic meltdown as the chaotic nature of its finances became apparent. Guy Rowlands discovers striking parallels with the current credit crunch as he charts the crisis that was to lead, ultimately, to the French Revolution.

On January 5th, 1757, Robert-Francois Damiens attempted to assassinate Louis XV.

Colin Jones discusses the art and artifice of the leading mistress of Louis XV.

Vivienne Larminie explores the history of the Pays de Vaud, showing how resistance to Protestant reform gave rise to a distinctive culture and, in 1798, a revolt against foreign rule.

David Parker defends a controversial term against its critics.

Richard Wilkinson reassesses the much-maligned prelate, asking whether the man who steered France through the minority of Louis XIV deserves such as bad press.

T.C.W. Blanning argues that royalty in France undermined itself through mismanagement, despotism and sleaze

Michel Petheram assesses the importance and reliability of a courtier whose 'memoires' offer graphic vignettes of the last days of Louis XIV.

Peter Burke looks at how images and the image-makers made the Sun King appear as the larger-than-life 'top ruler' of 17th-century Europe.