The Advent of Modern Capitalism in France 1770 1840

This is the story of one of the most dynamic entrepreneurs in modern French history. Gwynne Lewis uncovers the history of Pierre-Francois Tubeuf and assesses his contribution to the development of industry in France. Also discussed is Tubeuf's greatest rival, the Marechal de Castries. Drawing upon a wealth of documentation, Gwynne Lewis's story of one of the most dynamic entrepreneurs in modern French history examines Pierre-François Tubeuf's contribution to the development of industry in France. Professor Lewis explores the relationship between seigneurial, proto-industrial, and modern forms of capitalism in the Cévennes region of south-eastern France in the eighteenth century, and demonstrates the international scope of proto-industrialization. A subtle, scholarly study, it unravels the complex problems associated with the impact of the French Revolution on the processes of modern French capitalism, and traces the responses of a wide variety of individuals, including Tubeuf and his greatest rival, the Maréchal de Castries. He examines the epic struggle of these two powerful men for control of the rich coal-mines of the region, and their legacy to succeeding generations.