Dictionnaire Universel de la France
Contenant la description Géographiques & Historiques des Provinces, Villes, Bourgs & Lieux remarquables du Royaume; l'Etat de sa Population actuelle, de son Clergé, de ses Troupes, de sa Marine, de ses Finances, de ses Tribunaux, & des autres parties du Government: Ensemble l'Abrégé de l'Histoire de France, divisée sous les trois races de nos Rois; des Détails circonstanciés sur les Productions du sol, l'Industrie & le Commerce des Habitants; sur les Dignités & les grandes Charges de l'etat; sur les Offices de Judicature & Emplois Militaires; ainsi que sur ceux de toutes les autres branches de l'Administration. Avec un grand nombre de Tables, qui rassemblent, sous un même coup d'oeuil , les divers districts ou arrondissemens du Gouvernement Ecclésiastique, Civil & Militaire
In French
6 Volumes, 4065 pages
Without doubt, the finest geographical dictionary of the Ancient Kingdom of France printed before the French Revolution. Complete listing of all towns, villages, bourgs, arrondisements and provinces. No location seems to have been omitted. Each entry gives its location which might include: arrondisement, diocese, or province. Some historical facts are usually given along with the location's population. Large sections are devoted to such things as the royal household [which includes how many royal genealogists must travel with the King!], the three Royal houses of France, Clergy, Dioceses, the Military, along with pay rates. This multi volume dictionary gives the reader a myriad of facts about 17th and 18th Century France. This is a basic reference work for any genealogist or historian dealing with France, French Canada
