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This controversial study takes the provocative line that the French monarchy was a complete success. James turns the idea of royal 'absolutism' on its head by redefining the French monarchy's success from 1598 - 1661.
The Origins of French Absolutism, 1598-1661 maintains that building blocks were not being laid by the so-called architects of absolutism, but that by satisfying long-established, traditional ambitions, cardinal ministers Richelieu and Mazarin undoubtedly made the confident, ambitious reign of the late century possible.