Louis XIV: The Power and the Glory (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781643135922)

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 XIV's 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 Louis's life: his political philosophy, his wars, and his relationships with courtiers and subjects.

As a military strategist, Louis's capacity was ambiguous, but he was an astute politician who led his country to the heights of sophistication and power--and 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 upon--but greatly distanced from--its king.

Author: Josephine Wilkinson
ISBN-10: 1643135929
ISBN-13: 9781643135922
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Language: English
Published: 12/08/2020
Pages: 488
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.40w x 1.40d