"This book portrays and analyses France between two revolutions, a time later known as the old regime. All aspects of French life are covered: the economy, social development, religion and culture, French activity overseas, and not least politics and public life, where our understanding has been completely renewed over recent years. Bringing together an international panel of historians, this is a compelling analysis of an age behind whose calm and assured facade forces were developing which were to shape a very different country and continent."--Jacket.

The economy / Joël Félix -- Society / Gail Bossenga -- Culture and religion / David A. Bell -- France overseas / Pierre H. Boulle and D. Gillian Thompson -- The state and political culture / Julian Swann -- Politics : Louis XIV / William Doyle -- Politics : Louis XV / Julian Swann -- Politics : Louis XVI / Munro Price.