DAVID J. STURDY is Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Ulster. He specializes in the political and social history of France and in the history of science. His previous publications include Louis XIV, also in the European History in Perspective series.

'For those of us who love to visit Paris, to walk from the Institut Mazarin across the Pont des Arts to the Louvre, to explore the arcades of the Place des Vosges or the Palais Royal, both places where Richelieu had his residence, Sturdy's book helps to illuminate an exciting and important part in French history.' - Fiona Roberts, History Teaching Review Yearbook

• PrefaceMap of the French ProvincesThe Government of FranceRichelieu: The Bishop and Emerging Political LeaderRichelieu as MinisterThe First Years of Richelieu's Ministry: 1624-1630Richelieu and French Foreign Policy, 1630-1642Richelieu and the Internal Government of France, 1630-1642Richelieu: An AssessmentMazarin: Origins and Early CareerMazarin in Government and the Conduct of War, 1643-1648The FrondesMazarin, Foreign Policy and Domestic Tensions, 1653-1661Mazarin as Patron and CollectorConclusion: The Cardinals in RetrospectSignificant DatesGlossaryBibliographyIndex.