This study focuses on the Society of Jesus in France following the collapse of the Catholic League, and looks at how the Jesuits became an influential feature of the French church as well as their relationship with the authority of the monarchy. 'Based on a wealth of archival sources in London, Paris and Rome, Nelson's book represents a scholarly and important contribution to our understanding of the religious and political machinations at a critical phase of French history. Despite its notable erudition, The Jesuits and the Monarchy remains accessible to the non-specialist and can be highly recommended.' Catholic Herald 'Eric Nelson's study makes a significant contribution to untangling the rhetorical wrangling and complicated alliance building that accompanied the shifting fortunes and position of the Society of Jesus in France after the Wars of Religion. In doing so, he sheds much needed light on the early construction of the Bourbon state... Nelson's book should thus be read carefully by scholars and students broadly interested in Old Regime politics, culture, and religion.' H-France Review '...excellent book, concise, scholarly, and articulate...' Theological Studies 'The strengths of this book are clear writing, mastery of the French political scene, balanced interpretation, several good illustrations, but above all meticulous research in contemporary pamphlets and in correspondence at archives in Paris, Rome, London, and Oxford.' Church History 'Nelson writes clearly and exploits the archival sources in Paris and Rome skillfully. His mastery of the pamphlet literature especially impresses. The book represents a significant contribution to our understanding of the reign of Henry IV and of the policy of the Jesuits. This volume augurs well for the future cooperation of its copublishers, Ashgate and the Jesuit Historical Institute in Rome.' The Historian '... this carefully constructed and well-written study will be indispensable to anyone wishing to understand a key development in relations between monarchy and religion in early Bourbon France.' The Catholic Historical Review '... this book by Eric Nelson [...] appears as an important contribution to the study of the integr