Cardinal Richelieu. The Most Far-Sighted and Fortunate Politician at the Throne of Louis XIII

The renowned English historian S.V. Wedgwood presents a study of a symbolic figure in French history, the famous Cardinal Richelieu. He was a skilled diplomat, an insightful politician, and a talented statesman. Over the eighteen years during which Cardinal Richelieu held the position of Chief Minister to King Louis XIII, the power of the monarchy in France was consolidated to such an extent that it remained unshakable even during the long minority of Louis XIV. During Cardinal Richelieu's presence at the throne, France became a leading power in Europe and a source of European art. Relying solely on facts and primary sources, Wedgwood examines Richelieu's life, his activities, character, and motives for actions, noting that the cardinal was such a powerful and vivid personality, making such a strong impression that almost every event in Europe was explained by his secret or overt intervention.
S.V. Wedgwood's historical essays immerse the reader in the atmosphere of the most important events of the Middle Ages.