The period covered by this book, 1648-1721, does not coincide exactly with Louis XIV's reign : 1643-1715. Yet it would have been perverse and unhistorical to omit his name from the title, for, though Professor Hatton ranges widely over Europe in her survey, it is impossible to exaggerate the importance, both as a catalyst and as an example, of the France which Louis symbolized. During the Age of Louis XIV, Europe developed a cosmopolitan civilization. The reasons for this are examined in chapters on society and economic life; the effects of it are traced in chapters on art, literature and the intellectual climate of opinion. The author analyzes those features which mark the 'Early Enlightenment' : the possibility of progress, the concept of social utility and the demand for free enquiry and rational reform; and she argues that, in a period which saw much war, the idea of a tribunal of Europe struck firm root. Examples and illustrations are chosen from almost every European country, and cover such diverse topics as population and mobility, class and calling, domsetic issues, the arts, literature and learning, and the impact of other continents on Europe. -- Inside cover.