WeRead
Powered by ReaderPub
The biography offers a concise chronological account of a dominant early modern political and ecclesiastical figure, beginning with family origins and education, progressing through provincial clerical duties and courtly advancement, and culminating in long-term influence over domestic governance and international affairs. It examines administrative reforms, diplomatic initiatives, and the use of patronage and propaganda, while character studies and contemporary portraits illuminate personality and reputation. The text integrates letters, memoirs, and official papers, includes illustrative plates, and balances narrative storytelling with documentary references to map the complex interplay between religion, statecraft, and culture.
Printed by Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury.
A few minor punctuation errors and omissions have been silently corrected.
The spelling of Champagne has been corrected in the List of Illustrations.
Page 108: “seeems to have” changed to “seems to have”
Page 126: “have preresented him” changed to “have represented him”
Page 217: “of his favourrites” changed to “of his favourites”
Page 272: “exploits of Godefory” changed to “exploits of Godefroy”