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.

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.

Hilaire Belloc began his academic career with a lecture tour of the United States in 1892. He became a member of the Fabian Society in the early 1900s and met George Bernard Shaw and H. G. Wells, who helped him obtain work with newspapers such as the Daily News and The Speaker. Eventually he became literary editor of the Morning Post. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1906. He also wrote several novels, such as Mr. Clutterbuck's Election and A Change in the Cabinet, along with historical works such as The French Revolution and History of England. Belloc also published a series of historical biographies which include Oliver Cromwell, James II, Richelieu, Wolsey, Napoleon, and Charles II. Fr. Michael Crowdy qualified as a lawyer and later served with the British Army in India during WWII. He converted to Catholicism in 1946, and in 1954 was ordained a priest in the Oratory of St. Philip Neir, later serving in Florence, Northampton, and London.