J. H. M. Salmon (1925–2005)

2271 Cardinal de Retz: The Anatomy of a Conspirator, by J. H. M. Salmon (read 25 Feb 1990) Jean Francois-Paul de Gendi was born at Montmirail near Joigny in September 1613 and died Aug 24, 1679. He was named a Cardinal in 1651 by Pope Innocent X while still coadjutor archbishop of Paris. He played a prominent role in the Fronde, always, or usually, in opposition to Cardinal Mazarin. The Fronde is a difficult subject, and I did not find this scholarly study interesting during its treatment of de Retz's life up to that time. But thereafter the book was intriguing, as it related the cardinal's imprisonment, escape, time at the conclaves which elected Alexander VII, Clement IX, Clement X, and Innocent XI, and his life out of favor. He wrote a memoir which shows his private life--fairly public in the France of his time--scandalous. He ended up OK, though, and may be in heaven for all one knows. This was a book on a period I haven't read much on, and I really enjoyed it.… (mer)