The author gives an insight into French society during religion wars and how France coped with its consequences after the conflicts ended. After 40 years of struggle, better times came with the new Bourbon dynasty. Unlikely ruler Henry Bourbon had to fight his way up to crown as he was a protestant in mostly catholic country in times of great religious hatred. He managed that partially thanks to his military success, but mostly to his conciliatory approach to his enemies. He gained the crucial advantage when he decided to convert to catholicism as his enemies were left without arguments against his reign. After he has beaten rebellious leftovers he established religious peace through Edict of Nantes. Once he has finished with peace matters, he committed to improving the state of the country which was at the time disastrous. With the assistance of his great friend Sully and other trusted advisers, great work was done in the financial, economic and administrative areas as France quickly rose from the ashes.