R J (Emeritus Professor, University of Birmingham, UK) Knecht 
Richelieu [PDF ebook] 

This concise and up-to-date assessment of Richelieu”s career provides an enthralling introduction to the character and exercise of his power. Richelieu governed France for 18 years until his death and until the mid-20th century was viewed by Anglo-Saxon historians as cold, clever and ruthless. Recent interpretations have been more favourable and in this incisive study R. J. Knecht uses recent research to reassess Richelieu”s career and achievements.