This volume covers the reign of Louis XIII, the regency of Marie de Medici, and the minority of Louis XIV - the period traditionally known as the age of absolutism. The importance of patronage, inter-factional rivalry, the roles of local government and royal administration are stressed. The roles of Richelieu and Mazarin are particularly stressed. This title complements two earlier Access titles on France, closing the gap between 1610 and 1661. It aims to fill a gap in both sixth form and undergraduate material on France, and incorporates recent research on the subject. A particular focus of the book is the way in which readers are encouraged to make up their own minds on controversial issues, such as the extent to which absolutism actually existed under the rules of the cardinals. The readership to which the book is addressed is A and Higher Grade students of Early Modern History. The book should also be useful to students in Higher Education as an introductory text.