The Peasantry in the Old Regime: Conditions and Protests in Eighteenth-Century France

Isser Woloch's *The Peasantry in the Old Regime: Conditions and Protests in Eighteenth-Century France* stands as a cornerstone in understanding the fundamental forces that shaped pre-revolutionary France. This meticulously researched work moves beyond simplistic portrayals of rural life, offering a nuanced examination of the complex economic, social, and legal structures that governed peasant existence. Woloch delves into the daily realities of agricultural labor, the burdens of feudal dues and taxes, and the subtle yet persistent ways in which peasants navigated and resisted these constraints. His analysis reveals a population not merely suffering passively but actively engaged in a spectrum of responses, from localized petitions to more widespread acts of defiance, all of which laid crucial groundwork for the eventual eruption of the French Revolution. Therefore, *The Peasantry in the Old Regime* undeniably belongs on a list of Isser Woloch's best books due to its profound scholarly impact and enduring relevance. It represents Woloch at his analytical best, synthesizing vast primary sources into a compelling narrative that challenges traditional interpretations and illuminates the often-overlooked agency of the French peasantry. This book is essential for anyone seeking to grasp the deep-seated grievances and the underlying socio-economic tensions that characterized eighteenth-century France, making it a definitive contribution to the field of French history and a testament to Woloch's distinguished career.