Is Paris Worth a Mass? covers the period from the establishment of Calvinism in France to the death of Henry IV in 1610. After the death of the French King, Henry II, his wife, Catherine de Medici, became Regent for a succession of sons. She attempts to preserve the Valois on the throne but is threatened by the rising power and arrogance of the Guises who were ardent Catholics. Spain, under Philip II, becomes France's major enemy as the growing intrigue culminates in the death of the last Valois and final acceptance of the first Bourbon King, Henry IV. France and England work together to curb the power of Philip II. The Counter-Reformation is included as well as the effects of Jesuit missionary activity in India, China, and Japan. Primary focus is given to the difficulties of governing at that time and the need for better organized government. The importance of the rise of international trade and establishment of empire is also included

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