The high cost of sin (in 17th century France)

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From a book review of After Lives: A Guide to Heaven, Hell and Purgatory by Paul Johnson:

Writing on purgatory, Casey cannot resist quoting tariffs for indulgences. He has found a French document of 1691 that provides a curious insight into the relative seriousness of sins. A dispensation buying absolution from apostasy was the equivalent of only £4. Dispensation from vows of chastity was £15. Murder was priced at £95. The most expensive was bigamy, £1051. What does this tell us about the France of Louis XIV?

 Indeed!

17th Century authors site

In response to a call for writers who write about 17th century (see my post below), in no time at all a stunning new website has been created: Hoydens and Firebrands. This is a group website of seven authors who write about this fascinating century. (The site isn't official yet — it's still in "beta" — but stay tuned.)

I'm especially pleased because ever since moving from the populated (and popular) 18th century, I've felt somewhat on my own in this amazing century.