People in their relations with the state - this is the theme of the book. The service to the state of some, the rebellion against it of others can be traced by the author from the era of Mazarin and Louis XIV to the time of Danton and Robespierre. What can a reforming minister do and what is he powerless about? Can the people subjugate the state to their will? Is the bureaucrat free in his political deeds? These questions occupy the author. For a wide range of readers.