Mazarin’s Quest

“Paul Sonnino has established himself as the premier historian of diplomatic relations in early modern Europe. Based on a complete mastery of the documentation, including the often referred to, but never completely edited, carnets of Cardinal Mazarin, this book is an important and brilliantly crafted work on a key moment and figure in European history. Mazarin’s Quest is both a great story and a major accomplishment.”—Orest Ranum, emeritus, Johns Hopkins University

“Sonnino has written a magnificent study of Mazarin’s diplomatic negotiations leading to the signing of the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia. This great historian also shows why Mazarin’s failure to achieve a general peace was an important cause of the political and social crisis of the Fronde. Sonnino’s deep grasp of the social and intellectual aspects of the period gives his narrative singular strength and persuasiveness. An undeniable masterpiece.”—Lucien Bély, Université Paris-Sorbonne