Contraband

Discover the thrilling tale of Louis Mandrin, a notorious bandit who daringly smuggled contraband into eighteenth-century France in Contraband by Michael Kwass. Published by Harvard University Press in 2014, this captivating hardback edition spans 472 pages and delves into the fascinating world of early modern globalization. Kwass revives the legend of Mandrin, often likened to a Gallic Robin Hood, revealing the complexities of his life and the socio-political landscape of the time. As Mandrin's legacy endured through the years, it inspired both ordinary citizens and Enlightenment thinkers to question and challenge the authority of royal power. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, economics, and the interplay between crime and society. Join Michael Kwass on this enlightening journey through the shadows of the past and explore the impact of contraband on the evolution of modernity.