The Nobility of Toulouse in the Eighteenth Century

A Social and Economic Study

Robert Forster

• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Year: 2020
• eBook ISBN: 9781421431154
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: French History
• Index: History

Originally published in 1960. This is a regional study of the nobility of Toulouse in the eighteenth century. The complex notion of class and the peculiarities of each region in France during the Ancien Régime make it difficult for historians to render a general portrait of the provincial French aristocracy. This study describes the economic interests and investments of noblemen in Toulouse. Some of their activities follow the classic pattern of "seigniorial reaction" and thus illustrate ideas posed by Marc Bloch. Others suggest that the Toulousian gentlemen were conscientious landlords. The Toulousian noble was essentially a gentilhomme campagnard, a country gentleman, in regard to his source of revenue, his outlook, and his mode of living. This book should make clear the full meaning of this expression.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Copyright Page
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Dedication
• Preface
• Contents
• List of Tables
• List of Illustrations
• Abbreviations
• I. The Diocese of Toulouse in 1750: Town and Country
• II. The Noble as Landlord: Administration of the Domain
• III. The Noble as Landlord: The Grain Trade, The Abolition of Communal Rights, The Concentration of Livestock
• IV. Subsidiary Activities on the Estate: Sale of Wood, Rural Industries, Vine Culture
• V. The Noble as Rentier: Investments in Parlementary Office, Public Securities, and Private Loans
• VI. The Family Settlement
• VII. Expenses and Mode of Living at Toulouse
• Appendices
• Bibliography
• Index