The Ancien Regime In Europe

Frederick the Great declared that there were seven major powers in Europe - Holland, Spain, France, Russia, Prussia, Austria and Britain. Some of these were of merely European significance, others were world empires. Taking each power in turn, E. N. Williams examines its fundamental strengths and weaknesses. By concentrating on the internal history of each state, he penetrates the inner workings of its government and economy and reveals the complexity of its social system. He highlights the struggles between innovation and tradition which charactise this period, between the absolute monarchs and the ancient liberties of the clergy and nobles, between capitalism in commerce and industry and the old agrarian way of life. The result is a comprehensive and fascinating survey of eighteenth-century Europe. 'It is by far the best textbook available. 'TES