This book covers the years of 1830-1848, an important but often neglected period of French History. While paying particular attention to diplomatic and political affairs, the book also provides analyses of of the society, culture and economy of the age. The book reveals all areas of life as a battleground - socialism emerges to confront older revolutionary loyalties; the disparity between rich and poor increases; and there are even disputes and clashes within the Catholic Church. All this takes place under the reign of Louis-Philippe, presented here as a well-meaning monarch attempting to build an atmosphere of consensus and stability in a period of dramatic change.