A detailed and at the same time fascinating book is dedicated to the famous Cardinal Richelieu, a religious and political figure, the de facto head of France during the reign of King Louis XIII. Endowed with an iron will and a cold, sharp mind, Richelieu first won the trust of the Queen Mother Marie de' Medici, then became a cardinal in 1622, and by 1624, the first minister of King Louis XIII. He devoted all his efforts to raising a united French nation and to acquiring power and wealth for himself.

Anthony Levy is a leading expert in the field of French literature and culture and editor of the authoritative two-volume Guide to French Literature, as well as many scientific books and articles. After twenty-two years spent in the Jesuit order, he left it to become professor of French language and literature at Buchanan College, University of St. Andrews. Having achieved outstanding success in teaching, he retired and concentrated on scientific research. Professor Levy lives in Oxfordshire.