This volume centers on the period from 1648 (the Peace of Westphalia) to 1715, which largely parallels the life and reign of France's Sun King, Louis XIV.
Europe continues to rage with war following the post-Reformation turmoil and France's rise to power. This rise began with France's desire to break the cord of resistance that surrounded it (the United Provinces, the Empire, Habsburg-controlled Spain and Spanish Netherlands, plus England). Somewhere along the line Louis broke the cord and kept on fighting, ultimately leading to his defeat when Europe formed its Grand Alliance to put him back in his place.
On a parallel track, Europe experienced the greatest philosophical and scientific quest the world had ever seen, even transcending the classical height of Greece. Newton, Locke, Hobbes, Spinoza, Leibniz and countless others led the way towards the Enlightenment.
Before I move on to that grand period (Rousseau, Voltaire, and so many more), I've noted a short list of other 17th century histories I want to read: Cromwell, Newton, perhaps Locke, and a more detailed biography of the Sun King himself.
This book closed off the loop with Russia's Peter the Great, of whom I read Massie's wonderful biography several years ago. The Durant's devoted more than a full chapter to Peter. When I first studied Peter I had only the layman's awareness of 17th century Europe. His "grand embassy" first exposed me to this period so alive with energy and vitality; after so many years of study I now understand the context into which Peter immersed his embassy.
I'm also inching deliciously close to my resumption of U.S. history: George Washington was born only 17 years after the conclusion of this book (1732).
My love of history deepens as it broadens.
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