Louis XIV: The Power and the Glory

About this book

An intelligent authoritative and often surprising biography of the most famous of French monarchs by an acclaimed biographer and historian. This stylish and incisive narrative presents readers with a fresh perspective on one of the most fascinating kings in European history. Louis XIVs story has all the ingredients of a Dumas classic: legendary beginnings beguiling women court intrigue a mysterious prisoner in an iron mask lavish court entertainments the scandal of a mistress who was immersed in the dark arts and a central character who is handsome and romantic but with a frighteningly dark side to his character. Louis believed himself to be semi-divine. His self-identification as the Sun King which was reflected in iconography by the sun god Apollo influenced every aspect of Louiss life: his political philosophy his wars and his relationships with courtiers and subjects. As a military strategist Louiss capacity was ambiguous but he was an astute politician who led his country to the heights of sophistication and powerand then had the misfortune to live long enough to see it all crumble away. As the sun began to set upon this most glorious of reigns it brought a gathering darkness filled with the anguish of dead heirs threatened borders and a populace that was dangerously dependent uponbut greatly distanced fromits king.