Mudge (1844-1918) was an American Methodist Episcopal clergyman and writer who entered the ministry in 1868, joining the New England conference. He served as a missionary in India from 1873-83 where he edited the Lucknow Witness and on his return was pastor of churches in Massachusetts whilst also lecturing on missions at the Boston University School of Theology. In 1889 he became secretary of the New England conference and for many years was book editor of Zion's Herald. He was the author of several books including this biography of Francois Fenelon (1651-1715), the French Roman Catholic archbishop, theologian, poet and writer, which was first published in 1906.