Books by William (Professor of History Doyle

In early modern France almost all posts of public responsibility could only be acquired by purchase or inheritance. This work traces the evolution and dissolution of a system which was one of the central institutions of French life for over three centuries.

This survey of European history covers a period of 140 years which witnessed the beginnings of the contemporary world. In his account of the economic, social, intellectual and governmental structure and development of pre-revolutionary Europe, the author stresses economic and social trends.