Guizot is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. Thisvol ume continues the narrative of French history, focusing specifically on the reign of Henry IV,aProtestantkingduringatumultuousperiodmarkedby religious conflict and political maneuvering in France. Theopeningportion of the work details the momentous events surrounding Henry IV's initial rise to power after the death of Henry III. It describes the immediate chal lenges he faced fromCatholicfactionswhoopposed hisclaimedsovereignty, emphasizing the tension between Protestant and Catholic factions during theWarofReligion. ThissectionhighlightskeyfigureswhosurroundHenry IV, such as various nobles and military leaders, as well as the dynamics of al legiance and betrayal within the competingfactions. GuizotportraysHenry IV as a determined but vulnerable leader trying to secure his throne and maintain peace in a divided kingdom, setting the stage for the complex po litical and military struggles that define his reign " to use the words of Holy Writ. At home and abroad, in France and in Europe, he had to a great extent continued the reign of Henry IV., and had completely cleared the way for that of Louis XIV. "Such was the strength and superior ity of his genius that he knew all the depths and all the mysteries of govern ment,"saidLaBruyereinhisadmission-speechbeforetheFrenchAcademy; "he was regardful of foreign countries, he kept in hand crowned heads, he knew what weight to attach to their alliance; with allies he hedged himself against the enemy. . . . And, can you believe it, gentlemen? this practical andausteresoul,formidabletotheenemiesofthestate,inexorabletothefac tious, overwhelmed in negotiations, occupied at one time in weakening the party of heresy, at another in breaking up a league, and at another in med itating a conquest, found time for literary culture, and was fond of litera ture and of those whomade it their profession!" Frominclinationandfrom personal interest therein this indefatigable and powerful mind had courted literature; he had foreseen its nascent power; he had divined in the literary circle he got about him a means of acting upon the whole nation; he had no idea of neglecting them; he did not attempt to subjugate them openly; he brought them near to him and protected them. It is one of Richelieu's triumphs to have founded the French Academy