Martyrs and Murderers: The Guise Family and the Making of Europe [Hardcover]

Stuart Carroll (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 4, 2009

Hailed as "entertaining" and "nuanced" by The Economist, Martyrs and Murderers tells the story of three generations of treacherous, bloodthirsty power-brokers. One of the richest and most powerful families in sixteenth-century France, the House of Guise played a pivotal role in the history of Europe. Among the staunchest opponents of the Reformation, they whipped up religious bigotry throughout France. They overthrew the king, ruled Scotland for nearly 20 years through Mary Queen of Scots, plotted to invade England and overthrow Elizabeth I, and ended the century by unleashing the bloody Wars of Religion, before succumbing in a counter-revolution that made them martyrs for the Catholic cause. The history of the Guise family is sensational but true. Though parts of the story are familiar--such as their crucial role in the murder of 4,000 Protestants in the infamous Massacre of Saint Bartholomew--the full scope of their influence has never before been told. Stuart Carroll unravels the legends about this cultivated, charismatic, and violent dynasty, and challenges traditional assumptions about one of Europe's most turbulent eras.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[A] nuanced view of a dynasty legendary for its bloody and treacherous defense of Catholicism.... This thoughtful, comprehensive, and well-written volume will appeal to those interested in European history...."--Library Journal

"[An] entertaining look at France's Guise family ... nuanced."--Economist

"A very entertaining read and another angle to the political intrigue of Europe's royal families centuries ago, Martyrs and Murderers is a fine and excellent pick."--Midwest Book Review

"Carroll not only tells this tale in lively fashion, he helps us understand how things all turned out as they did. He provides maps for those of us who are less than conversant with Renaissance French geography, and genealogical tables for those of us who keep getting confused about who is related in what way to whom."--National Catholic Reporter

"Carroll states that he thought he had finished with the Guises after publishing
his earlier work on the family, but his editor persuaded him to write
this one. Historians of sixteenth-century France must applaud his editor.There
is more to be said about the Guises, especially those of the first and third generations,
but this book is not likely to be supplanted anytime soon."--The Catholic Historical Review

About the Author

Stuart Carroll is Professor of History at the University of York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (October 4, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199229074
• ISBN-13: 978-0199229079
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #89 in Books > History > Europe > Western

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great historical reading, June 13, 2011

By 

Hayley March - See all my reviews

This review is from: Martyrs and Murderers: The Guise Family and the Making of Europe (Hardcover)

Carroll's book is by no means one of those slightly fictionalised accounts of history that try to make what can at times be very dry, sexy and interesting. He objectively sticks to the facts and interjects with his opinion on events when necessary. He gives an exceptionally thorough account of a period of history that is often overlooked in the english speaking world. It was an interesting read that moved pretty swiftly but is definietly pitched for people who already have some interest in the Wars of Religion or the Guise family.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Guise family., July 28, 2011

By 

Manuel Canseco - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Martyrs and Murderers: The Guise Family and the Making of Europe (Paperback)

I am always be interested in history and this book gave you many details about the history of France during the 16 century,particularly of this important family who had a important role in all the events of Europe.In my opinion this book is very accurate and give you a lot of data for people who love history. Manuel Canseco.

5 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine and excellent pick, January 16, 2010

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Martyrs and Murderers: The Guise Family and the Making of Europe (Hardcover)

The lust for power can be a family wide affair. "Martyrs and Murderers: The Guise Family and the Making of Europe" tells the story of this family, whose ambitions for power gave them bloodlines to the throne in many of the major European countries. Author Stuart Caroll covers this family's plots that changed the direction of Europe and had a hand in the death of thousands. A very entertaining read and another angle to the political intrigue of Europe's royal families centuries ago, "Martyrs and Murderers" is a fine and excellent pick.