When Balzac states that his intent is to rescue Catherine's historical reputation, this is from those 19th century French historians who considered her to be an ineffective ruler. Judged in accordance with 19th century French Legitimist terms, Catherine's cruelty, bloodshed and ruthless politicking are all justified in Balzac's eyes due to her attaining her political goals. In a parallel fashion, Balzac's own political goals were to suppress and defeat any resurgence of the post-French Revolution republicanism. (goodreads)