Histoire de la vie et de l'administration de Colbert by Pierre Clément is a comprehensive and well-researched biography of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the Chief Minister to King Louis XIV of France. Clément expertly delves into the life and career of Colbert, providing insight into his achievements and the challenges he faced during his time in power.
The author presents a balanced view of Colbert, highlighting his successes in modernizing the French economy, reforming the tax system, and promoting industry and commerce. However, Clément also does not shy away from discussing Colbert's strict and sometimes controversial methods, which earned him both admiration and criticism during his tenure.
Overall, Histoire de la vie et de l'administration de Colbert is a detailed account of an influential figure in French history. Clément's thorough research and engaging writing style make this biography a must-read for anyone interested in the politics and economics of 17th-century France.
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