Routledge

Routledge

English

"This volume engages a broad range of questions concerning the complex interaction of religious ideals and political and human realities in the era of LouisXIV and Louis XV. It merits a wide readership, including specialists in Jesuit history." - Thomas Worcester, Journal of Jesuit Studies "Although many books have been published about [Vincent de Paul's] life and his community’s significance as a dynamic force in Catholic-Reformation France, the history of the Congregation after his death is not often explored, and Smith’s book is a welcome addition." - Susan E. Dinan, Catholic Historical Review　 "This study makes an important contribution to our understanding of early modern religious organizations and their relationships with the absolutist state (as Smith points out, Vincent de Paul’s death corresponded almost exactly to the beginning of Louis XIV’s personal rule). The Lazarists have not received the same scholarly attention as groups like the Jesuits, even though their ideals and organizational structure were just as innovative and their influence as great." - Linda Lierheimer, H-France Review "It is a fascinating and highly readable account of the manner in which a religious community’s choices could become corrupted by closeness to power...Smith’s study is a valuable contribution to understanding the complex impact of absolutism on religious orders in early modern France." - Carol Baxter, Renaissance Quarterly　 "...the book is an excellent piece of historical scholarship, and will be much appreciated by scholars of religious history." - Karen Carter, Church History