Choice Review

Historians have viewed the Guise family of 16th-century France as motivated largely by religious passion, as leader of the French Catholics during the religious wars. Carroll shows that the Guise were also shrewd politicians for whom political power and influence were major considerations. Looking past the court, Paris, and the province of Champagne (their major stronghold), the author finds they were also the greatest landowners in Normandy and wielded vast influence there. He concentrates more on the junior members of the family than on the dukes and cardinals but affirms what previous historians have noted, that they all worked together for the common good. Carroll also examines the relationship between the Guise and the cities and the peasants. The author provides valuable insights into Guisard activities on the national level, such as the St. Bartholomew's Massacre and efforts on behalf of their kinswoman, Mary Stuart. Based on extensive archival research, this book should lead to a reconsideration of the Guise role in the religious wars. Numerous maps, genealogies, and tables showing Guisard holdings in Normandy. Recommended for upper-division undergraduates and above. F. J. Baumgartner Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University