Tracing the Shadow of Secrecy and Government Transparency in Eighteenth-Century France

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The book delves into the evolving perceptions of secrecy in eighteenth-century France, revealing how growing suspicions about both personal and governmental secrecy contributed to the emergence of ideas about transparency. As the French Revolution approached, concerns over corruption linked secrecy to despotism. The author examines the interplay of cultural shifts—honour, religious movements, nationalism, and literature—that shaped political attitudes. It also addresses the era's fears and paranoia, offering insights into contemporary views on secrecy and governance.