The King's Army Warfare, Soldiers and Society during the Wars of Religion in France, 1562–76

Historians have long ignored the military aspect of the wars of religion which raged in France during the late sixteenth century, dismissing the conflicts as aimless or hopelessly confused. In contrast, this meticulously researched analysis of the royal army and its operations during the early civil wars brings warfare back to the centre of the picture. James B. Wood explains the reasons for the initial failure of the monarchy to defeat the Huguenots, and examines how that failure prolonged the conflict. He argues that the nature and outcome of the civil wars can only be explained by the fusion of religious rebellion and incomplete military revolution. This study makes an important contribution to the history of military forces, warfare and society, and will be of great interest to those engaged in the debate over the 'Military Revolution' in early modern Europe.

Introduction: Rumors of war; 1. The campaigns of the army, 1562–76; 2. The camp and the army of the King; 3. The army in the field; 4. 'The footmen of the King'; 5. The gendarmes; 6. The artillery train; 7. In search of a battle: Dreux, 1562; 8. The defence of Chartres, 1567–68; 9. A host of strangers: the army's presence; 10. The destruction of the army: the siege of La Rochelle, 1573; 11. Paying for war; Conclusion: the limits to action.

In contrast to previous approaches, this meticulously researched analysis of the royal army during the French wars of religion makes warfare the focus of attention. It represents an important contribution to the history of military forces, warfare, religion and society in early modern France.