Cardinal Richelieu and the Making of France

Download or read book Cardinal Richelieu and the Making of France written by Anthony Levi and published by Constable Limited. This book was released on 2000 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The story of Cardinal Richelieu is one of high drama, ruthless ambition and political intrigue. This biography reveals the extent of this great 17th century statesman's scheming to gain state control over all cultural activities in order to further his aim of unifying France. By the time he had died, in 1642, his efforts had led to the creation of an academy, the official protectorship of the Sorbonne, the promotion of the theatre, the erection of magnificent buildings and the assiduous collection of works of art, all of which helped to mould the country into a cultural unity and remain Richelieu's most enduring legacy.