Richelieu

This concise and up-to-date assessment of Richelieu's career provides an enthralling introduction to the character and exercise of his power. Richelieu governed France for 18 years until his death and until the mid-20th century was viewed by Anglo-Saxon historians as cold, clever and ruthless. Recent interpretations have been more favourable and in this incisive study R. J. Knecht uses recent research to reassess Richelieu's career and achievements.

Preface 1. Richelieu's Rise to Power (1585-1624) 2. Richelieu as Chief Minister 3. Richelieu's Triumph 4. Richelieu and the High Nobility 5. Richelieu and the Huguenots 6. Richelieu's Foreign Policy (1624-35) 7. Richelieu and War (1635-42) 8. Richelieu, Taxation and Popular Unrest 9. Richelieu and Absolutism 10. Richelieu and the Economy 11. Richelieu as a Propagandist 12. Richelieu as Patron of Letters Epilogue Bibliographical Essay Glossary List of Dates Map 1: France in 1630 Map 2: Central Europe c. 1618