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Richelieu
A biography of Cardinal Richelieu of France—considered by many to be the founder of modern Europe—this book does not seek to make Richelieu a figure either of irrational worship or irrational hate. Belloc impartially examines Richelieu's life and career, delves into his Catholic and family roots, and pinpoints their relevance to the development of his character, his thought, and his political and religious policy.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1937
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About the author
Hilaire Belloc
554 books413 followersJoseph Hilaire Pierre René Belloc, French-born British writer, is considered a master of light English prose and also widely known for his droll verse, especially
The Bad Child's Book of Beasts
in 1896.
The sharp wit of Belloc, an historian, poet, and orator, extended across a large literary output and strong political and religious convictions. Throughout his career, he prolifically wrote across a range of genres and produced histories, essays, travelogues, poetry, and satirical works.
Cautionary Tales for Children collects humorous yet dark morals, and the historical works of Hilaire Belloc often reflected his staunch Catholicism and critique of Protestant interpretations. He led advocates of an economic theory that promoted and championed distribution of small-scale property ownership as a middle ground between capitalism and socialism, alongside Gilbert Keith Chesterton, his close friend.
In politics, Hilaire Belloc served as a member of Parliament for the Liberal party, but the establishment disillusioned him. His polemical style and strong opinions made him a controversial figure, who particularly viewed modernism, secularism, and financial capitalism as threats to traditional Christian society in his critiques.
The sharp wit of Belloc, an historian, poet, and orator, extended across a large literary output and strong political and religious convictions. Throughout his career, he prolifically wrote across a range of genres and produced histories, essays, travelogues, poetry, and satirical works.
Cautionary Tales for Children collects humorous yet dark morals, and the historical works of Hilaire Belloc often reflected his staunch Catholicism and critique of Protestant interpretations. He led advocates of an economic theory that promoted and championed distribution of small-scale property ownership as a middle ground between capitalism and socialism, alongside Gilbert Keith Chesterton, his close friend.
In politics, Hilaire Belloc served as a member of Parliament for the Liberal party, but the establishment disillusioned him. His polemical style and strong opinions made him a controversial figure, who particularly viewed modernism, secularism, and financial capitalism as threats to traditional Christian society in his critiques.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 11, 2021
What a villain!
Richelieu.....four stars
Richelieu.....four stars
December 23, 2014
Faute de pouvoir donner cinq etrons, je lui donne une etoile.
Hilaire Belloc's Richelieu is superficial, under researched and absolutely idiotic. It is an example of what can happen when an individual who has a high opinion of himself and no training as an historian attempts to write history.
Belloc appears to have spent very little time on this book and his research is based on a handful of other biographies. He demonstrates no understanding of the political and social basis of the reformation in France and simply offers the breezy opinion that it was sad that Richelieu the Cardinal chose to make a generous deal with the Protestants in France guaranteeing the right to practice their religion and a share of the political power rather than resolutely suppressing a heretical movement. In Belloc's view, Richelieu put the interests of his country ahead of those of his religion.
My God! This is really taking things too literally. Richelieu's policy of siding with the Protestants in the 30 years war ensured peace in France and good relations with its neighbours. Siding with the Catholic Habsbourg faction in Germany would have caused the war to spread to France and would have served to prolong a war that had gone for too long and which was causing millions of deaths. Richelieu was not siding with Protestantism versus Catholicism. He was siding with humanity versus inhumanity.
Had Richelieu's wise policies between continue after his death there would never been an exodus of Protestants from France and France would have been a much happier country.
Hilaire Belloc's Richelieu is superficial, under researched and absolutely idiotic. It is an example of what can happen when an individual who has a high opinion of himself and no training as an historian attempts to write history.
Belloc appears to have spent very little time on this book and his research is based on a handful of other biographies. He demonstrates no understanding of the political and social basis of the reformation in France and simply offers the breezy opinion that it was sad that Richelieu the Cardinal chose to make a generous deal with the Protestants in France guaranteeing the right to practice their religion and a share of the political power rather than resolutely suppressing a heretical movement. In Belloc's view, Richelieu put the interests of his country ahead of those of his religion.
My God! This is really taking things too literally. Richelieu's policy of siding with the Protestants in the 30 years war ensured peace in France and good relations with its neighbours. Siding with the Catholic Habsbourg faction in Germany would have caused the war to spread to France and would have served to prolong a war that had gone for too long and which was causing millions of deaths. Richelieu was not siding with Protestantism versus Catholicism. He was siding with humanity versus inhumanity.
Had Richelieu's wise policies between continue after his death there would never been an exodus of Protestants from France and France would have been a much happier country.
February 10, 2026
Más que ser una biografía de Richelieu, es un ensayo biográfico. Hay muchos detalles que no se consideran.
Por ejemplo, faltó analizar el tema moral del Cardenal, sus dilemas y justificaciones, el impulso a las artes, así como la política imperial de los Habsburgo.
Pienso se debe más a una búsqueda del autor de analizar el impacto trascendental del estadista francés.
Dicho lo anterior, la descripción que hace Belloc del temple, la voluntad y visión de Richelieu me pareció bastante acertada. Una lectura bastante amena.
Un personaje clave en la Historia Occidental.
Por ejemplo, faltó analizar el tema moral del Cardenal, sus dilemas y justificaciones, el impulso a las artes, así como la política imperial de los Habsburgo.
Pienso se debe más a una búsqueda del autor de analizar el impacto trascendental del estadista francés.
Dicho lo anterior, la descripción que hace Belloc del temple, la voluntad y visión de Richelieu me pareció bastante acertada. Una lectura bastante amena.
Un personaje clave en la Historia Occidental.
March 18, 2023
Buen estudio sobre esta personalidad francesa que marcó una gran etapa para su país. Intrigante, astuto y muy capaz. Vale la pena leer este libro. De esta autora me gustó más la biografía de Napoleón.
July 4, 2024
Not a terrible read and the author’s style is engaging at times. But this book is very much a product of its time (1929) and is unsatisfying as a serious, scholarly work. There are much better biographies of Richelieu available.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews