Un grand missionnaire : le cardinal Lavigerie

The book paints a vivid portrait of a 19th‑century French prelate whose arrival in Algeria in 1867 sparked a new wave of religious and colonial ambition. Through contemporary letters, speeches and illustrated portraits, it shows how his fervent calls to “apostolate” resonated with both settlers and missionaries, urging a blend of faith and French nation‑building in North Africa. The narrative situates his voice amid the hesitant politics of the July Monarchy, illustrating the clash between economic skeptics and advocates of a “larger France” overseas.

Beyond the biography, the work explores the broader French mindset toward Africa before Lavigerie’s influence took hold. It examines early debates about colonial purpose, the lingering legacy of earlier conquests, and the ideological shift that paved the way for his missionary projects. The author’s clear prose and period illustrations help listeners grasp the complex mix of devotion, politics, and cultural change that defined the era’s first act.