Richelieu and the Growth of French Power

Abstract

Contemporary memoirs are numerous. These vary largely in accuracy and importance, but all are of value as giving different phases of contemporary opinion, even when they are not altogether trustworthy in their statements of occurrences. The mtmoires of Bassompierre, Pontis, Fontrailles, Turenne, Gaston, Mol, Montresor, Montglat ; the Correspondance de Sourdis, Epistolce Grotii, Mercure Francois, Dispacci Veneziani, and Archives Curieuses are some of the records that can be consulted with profit. The literature in reference to Richelieu is also very voluminous. The great work of M. Hanotaux, when complete, will contain the most valuable account of Richelieu's life that has appeared. With such diligence and ability has M. Hanotaux studied his subject that his work will remain, I think, the permanent record of the career of the great Cardinal. This Life of Richelieu, when finished, will comprise four large volumes, and its size will perhaps deter the ordinary reader, but it is none too full for anyone who wishes to familiarise himself with French history during the important period covered by Richelieu's administration. A work of much value in reference to the details of government is Richelieu et la Monarchic Absolue, by the Viscount G. d'Avenel. His familiarity with the conditions of the time, both social and political, is based upon an exhaustive study of original documents.One may perhaps disagree with some of the results he reaches, but his researches are a mine of information.