Histoire de France 1758-1789 (Volume 19/19)

A sweeping portrait of France’s final decades before the Revolution, this volume follows the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI, revealing how the kingdom’s politics were entangled with the ambitions of foreign dynasties. Drawing on rare manuscripts and newly published documents, the author shows how the court’s alignment with Spanish and Austrian interests shaped policy, marriage alliances, and diplomatic maneuvers, turning the throne into a stage for a “family conspiracy” that often put foreign agendas ahead of national concerns.

Beyond the glitter of Versailles, the narrative explores the growing tension between these external influences and the emerging calls for reform. Readers encounter the intricate web of ministers, intrigue, and the early signs of dissent that would later erupt into open conflict. The work offers a vivid, source‑rich look at the forces that set the scene for France’s dramatic transformation at the close of the eighteenth century.