R. J. Knect investigates the reign of Francis I of France.

This book offers a full and comprehensive account of one of the most colorful and formative reigns in French history, that of Francis I (1515-47), and was published to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Francis I's birth in 1494. It is a completely revised edition of Professor Knecht's earlier study of the king, first published in 1982 and for many years the standard work on the subject. That edition is now superseded by this substantially larger work, in which much new written and illustrative material has been included. No other work on the subject is as up to date or as authoritative.

Wife of one French king and mother of three others (Francis II, Charles IX and Henry III), Catherine de'Medici was, as Regent and Queen Mother, a key figure in French politics for 30 years. This text studies her historical influence.

Drawing on more than 40 years of research and combining narrative with analysis, R. J. Knecht describes the rise and fall of France in the sixteenth century clearly and authoritatively.

Drawing on more than 40 years of research and combining narrative with analysis, R. J. Knecht describes the rise and fall of France in the sixteenth century clearly and authoritatively.

The eight French Wars of Religion began in 1562 and lasted for 36 years. Although the wars were fought between Catholics and Protestants, this books draws out in full the equally important struggle for power between the king and the leading nobles, and the rivalry between the nobles themselves as they vied for control of the king. In a time when human life counted for little, the destruction reached its height in the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre when up to 10,000 Protestants lost their lives.

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.

"Profiles in Power" is a series which focuses on some of the most important leaders in history and how they used their power to influence and change the course of world events. This text focuses on Cardinal Richelieu.

First published in 1984, Professor Knecht's study quickly established itself as the best short account of the period. The reigns of Francis I and Henry II, spanning the first half of the sixteenth century, are one of the most colourful and formative periods of French history. In addition to examining the nature and effectiveness of their reigns, Professor Knecht also examines their foreign policies which brought them into conflict with other major powers. For this new edition the author has added a new chapter on patronage and the arts.