Cinq-Mars; ou, Une conjuration sous Louis XIII (Tome 1 of 2)

by Alfred de Vigny

"Cinq-Mars; ou, Une conjuration sous Louis XIII (Tome 1 of 2)" by Alfred de Vigny is a novel published in 1826. Considered the first French historical novel, it dramatizes a real conspiracy led by the young Marquis d'Effiat to overthrow Cardinal Richelieu during the reign of Louis XIII. While based on actual events, Vigny takes creative liberties with history—a choice he defends in his second edition's preface. The novel inspired numerous paintings and an opera by Charles Gounod.