Jean François Paul de Gondi de Retz

Born in Paris on September 20, 1613, he became known as Cardinal de Retz. Though destined for the Church, he also played a dramatic part in public life during the Fronde, the mid-17th-century uprisings that challenged royal authority in France.

His career mixed religion and politics in ways that made him both influential and controversial. He was imprisoned for a time, later escaped, and spent years navigating exile, favor, and disgrace before eventually returning to France.

Today he is especially valued as a writer. His Memoirs are still read for their lively portraits, political insight, and firsthand view of one of the most turbulent periods in French history.