Louis XIV

This lively and accessible biography focuses on Louis' personal life while keeping the needs of the history student at the forefront, featuring analysis of Louis' wider significance in history and the surrounding historiography.

A narrative account of Louis' life, this study proposes that the Sun King's reign and legacy cannot be fully understood without a detailed analysis of Louis' private life and personality, including his upbringing and his many lovers. Louis' relations with his closest family set the tone for the treatment of his French subjects and for his foreign policy towards the rest of Europe.

This book balances the undeniable cultural achievements of the reign against the realities of Louis' egotism and argues that, when viewed critically, Louis' rule (1643 1715) personified the disadvantages of absolute monarchy and inexorably led to social and political blunders resulting in the suffering of millions. Richard Wilkinson demonstrates that while Louis excelled as a self publicist, he fell far short of being a great monarch.

A must read for all students and those with a general interest in one of history's most colourful rulers.

Author: Richard Wilkinson

Publisher: Routledge

Released Date: 2007

ISBN: 9780415358163