This is the first of two volumes in McManner's magesterial reconstruction of the complex hierarchical world of the Gallican Church destroyed by the French Revolution. It describes the diocesan and parochial structure of the Church, portraying the clergy and their lifestyle from the palaces of the aristocratic bishops to the humblest nunnery, and, in a multitude of portraits, analyzing their motivations and sense of vocation. In a detailed fresco he presents the religion of the people, whether centering in the parish church or in confaternities, and the observances of folk religion outside it.