In "English Restoration and Louis XIV: From the Peace of Westphalia to the Peace of Nimwegen," Osmund Airy provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the political landscape in Europe during the late 17th century. The book offers a wealth of information on the key figures and events that shaped this period, with a particular focus on the restoration of the English monarchy and the reign of Louis XIV in France.

Airy's writing is clear and engaging, making the complex political maneuverings of the time accessible to readers. He skillfully weaves together the various threads of European history, showing how events in one country often had far-reaching consequences for others. The book also delves into the cultural, social, and economic aspects of the period, providing a well-rounded portrait of the times.

Overall, "English Restoration and Louis XIV" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in this pivotal era in European history. Airy's meticulous research and insightful analysis shed new light on the dynamics of power and diplomacy in the 17th century, making this book a must-read for history enthusiasts.

Book Description:
In this trim volume the British historian, Osmund Airy writes of the period between 1648 and 1679 when Cardinal Mazarin, having concluded the masterly Peace of Westphalia for France, confronts the rebellions of the nobility known as the Fronde. By the time of his death in 1661, Mazarin has completed the work of Richelieu and made Louis XIV an absolute monarch, ready to extend his borders by conquest. But in Holland, the young Stadtholder, William III of Orange, resolutely opposes Louis's military ambitions, while in England, the restored Charles II is struggling with Parliament, juggling religious factions, suppressing conspiracies real and imagined, and cheerfully spending Louis's secret subsidies, while giving the French king as little value for his money as possible.