Richelieu

"Profiles in Power" is a series which focuses on some of the most important leaders in history and how they used their power to influence and change the course of world events. This text focuses on Cardinal Richelieu.

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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.