Richelieu

Rating:
Summary: Unimpressive
Review: This is not a comprehensive biography, which is what initially attracted me to this book. Knecht's RICHELIEU is part of a series of what are supposed to be short, concise that address the power and politics of various great figures in European history. Thus, we thankfully don't have to read about Richelieu's preference in wine and ad nauseum speculations on whether he died a virgin. The focus is supposed to be on what made this person succeed politically in their time and context, and what they did when they achieved power.

All in all, while I understand the desire for consistency, I found the book often vague about significant events while spending time offering random speculation and criticism of other work in the field. Claims are made without adequate support or argumentation. I also question whether the organization of the book was best strategically. Devoting distinct chapters to Richelieu's use of propaganda or his relationship to the nobility is arguably valuable, but I think the whole work suffers since there isn't a focus towards understanding how these different elements interrelate.

For the most part, though, I just found the prose dull, and only moderately informative. Ultimately, I think the exposition of how Richelieu exercised power suffers as a result.