Overview

An unprecedented history of the entire Huguenot experience in France, from hopeful beginnings to tragic diaspora Following the Reformation, a growing number of radical Protestants came together to live and worship in Catholic France. These Huguenots survived persecution and armed conflict to win—however briefly—freedom of worship, civil rights, and unique status as a protected minority. But in 1685, the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes abolished all Huguenot rights, and more than 200,000 of the radical Calvinists were forced to flee across Europe, some even farther. In this capstone work, Geoffrey Treasure tells the full story of the Huguenots’ rise, survival, and fall in France over the course of a century and a half. He explores what it was like to be a Huguenot living in a “state within a state,” weaving stories of ordinary citizens together with those of statesmen, feudal magnates, leaders of the Catholic revival, Henry of Navarre, Catherine de’ Medici, Louis XIV, and many others. Treasure describes the Huguenots' disciplined community, their faith and courage, their rich achievements, and their unique place within Protestantism and European history. The Huguenot exodus represented a crucial turning point in European history, Treasure contends, and he addresses the significance of the Huguenot story—the story of a minority group with the power to resist and endure in one of early modern Europe’s strongest nations.

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9780300208665

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Reviews

'Geoffrey Treasure's thoughtful study charts the story of these Protestants, known as Huguenots, across nearly two centuries. It is a history of theology and high politics more than a ground-level study of Huguenot life, beginning with illuminating potted histories of the French monarchy and movements for religious reform.' (John Gallagher, The Sunday Telegraph) 'In an engrossing study of the Calvinist Protestants... Geoffrey Treasure has supplied a comprehensive history of the Huguenots in their native country... The resilient nature of the Huguenot faith and the historical effects of their diasporas are reliably presented.' (Iain Finalyson, The Times) 'An enjoyable and authoritative account, which, in telling the story of the Huguenots, doubles as a fine political and religious history of France over the course of two troubled centuries.' (Peter Marshall, Literary Review) 'A formidable work, covering complex, fascinating, horrifying and often paradoxical events over a period of more than 200 years... Treasure's work is a monument to the courage and heroism of the Huguenots.' (Piers Paul Read, The Tablet)

In an engrossing study of the Calvinist Protestants . . . Geoffrey Treasure has supplied a comprehensive history of the Huguenots in their native country . . . The resilient nature of the Huguenot faith and the historical effects of their diasporas are reliably presented. --Iain Finalyson, The Times --Iain Finlayson The Times (08/31/2013)

Author Information

Geoffrey Treasure was senior master at Harrow School before his retirement. He lives in Herefordshire, UK.  

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