Mazarin by Arthur Hassall is a comprehensive biography of Cardinal Jules Mazarin, who served as the chief minister of France during the reign of Louis XIV. The book delves into Mazarin's early life, rise to power, and his significant impact on French politics and society during a crucial period in history.

Hassall's thorough research and detailed analysis bring to life the complex and often controversial figure of Mazarin. The book provides valuable insights into the political intrigues, power struggles, and challenges faced by Mazarin as he navigated the treacherous waters of court politics in seventeenth-century France.

Furthermore, the author skillfully explores Mazarin's relationships with key figures such as Louis XIV, Queen Anne of Austria, and Cardinal Richelieu, shedding light on the alliances and rivalries that shaped the course of French history during this tumultuous period.

Overall, Mazarin is a well-written and engaging biography that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of one of France's most influential statesmen. It is a must-read for anyone interested in French history, politics, and the intricacies of power in the early modern period.

Book Description:
Guilio Raimondo , Richelieu's designated successor as chief minister of France, was a master of diplomacy. Though a cardinal, he was not a priest and was probably secretly married to the Queen-Mother, Anne of Austria. Together they ruled France, facing the great rebellion known as the Fronde, and with the help of the military genius of Turenne, prevailed over the armies of Spain, Austria, and the traitorous Grand Condé. Arthur Hassall writes of Mazarin that by the time of his death in 1661 he had, through "patience, perseverance, and sagacity," fulfilled Richelieu's foreign policy and made the twenty-one year-old Louis XIV the absolute monarch of Europe's greatest power.