Cardinal de Retz was a French churchman and writer, renowned for his memoirs and his role in the Fronde. His writing is characterized by a keen insight into human nature and political maneuvering, revealing the complexities of power and ambition. His memoirs offer a vivid portrayal of 17th-century French society and political life. His work remains a valuable testament to the era and the art of historical writing.
The third volume of the Memoirs of the Cardinal de Retz presents a faithful reprint of the original 1774 edition, capturing the historical insights and personal reflections of Cardinal de Retz. This volume continues to explore the political intrigues and societal dynamics of 17th-century France through the eyes of a key figure, offering readers a rich narrative filled with firsthand accounts and unique perspectives on the era's events.
Retz patří k oné talentované generaci dozrávající těsně před nastoupením Ludvíka XIV. na trůn, z níž vyšli Moliére, Pascal, Rochefoucauld a další. Po Richelieuově smrti prohrál v boji o moc s Mazarinem a byl deportován z Paříže. Po letech dobrodružství našel útulek v saintdeniském opatství, kde napsal své paměti.