The Making of the French Episcopate, 1589-1661

A leading historian of France`s ancient regime here presents the first in-depth study of the French upper clergy during the key period of the Catholic Reformation following the Council of Trent. Joseph Bergin`s description of the creation, character, and role of the early French bishops sheds light on broader issues: social mobility, education, career patterns and prospects, patronage and clientage networks, and royal policy and patronage of the time.