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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 920
EAN num: 9781400033744
ISBN number: 1400033748
Label: Anchor
Manufacturer: Anchor
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 432
Printing Date: November 06, 2007
Publishing house: Anchor
Release Date: November 06, 2007
Sale Popularity Level: 43170
Studio: Anchor
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Product Description:
Louis XIV, the highly-feted “Sun King”, was renowned for his political and cultural influence and for raising France to a new level of prominence in seventeenth-century Europe. And yet, as Antonia Fraser keenly describes, he was equally legendary in the domestic sphere. Indeed, a panoply of women — his wife Anne; mistresses such as Louise de la Vallière, Athénaïs de Montespan, and the puritanical Madame de Maintenon; and an array of courtesans — moved in and out of the court. The highly visible presence of these women raises many questions about their position in both Louis XIV’s life and in France at large. With careful research and vivid, engaging prose, Fraser makes the multifaceted life of one of the most famous European monarchs accessible and vibrantly current.
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Rated by buyers 
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I used to be fascinatged by these portraits of historical figures, but this one left me bored and skeptical. I have read a few of Ms Fraser's other books and enjoyed them. Particularly her Marie Antoinette. But this one I found dull by the second chapter and now after chapter 7 have set it aside to move on to something else. I will go back and finish, and if my review changes, I will be back to amend this review, but I just felt there is so much interesting history to touch with Louis XIV and this book ignores a lot of it. In addition, her recreations of events as if she is there left me skeptical of their veracity. Obviously this is well researched, but does she really know that court "rushed" to someones side". I guess I shoudl have deduced form the title that this woudl really focus on Louis love life. I just was hoping for something else. There is enough television and movies telling us about the love lives of famous individuals of the present and past. I was more interested in his intellectual persuits, and his accomplishments in architecture and development of France that earned him the nickname of the Sun King.
Rated by buyers 
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Excellent thorough book. Easy read full of great
info on the kings personal life
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this is a great book. the photos inside are great and its quality is amazing
Rated by buyers -
Reviewed By Michele E. Davis
You know how Louis XIV's life ended, but in order to understand it, you have to go back to the beginning.
Antonia Fraser, a rolific historical writer, paints a gorgeous portrait of Louis XIV, the Dauphin. He was the very first male child borne to Anne of Austria, and his love of women continued throughout his life. Timelines, bloodlines and everything you ever wanted to know about Louis XIV is written in an engaging, witty style, drawing from numerous texts that are highly footnoted. This is a comprehensive study of 17th Century France and the torn dichotomy of Louis's soul: he feared God, wanted to provide for the French people, yet had an astounding sexual appetite.
He gave up his very first true love, Marie Mancini, to marry his cousin Maria Teresa, the Spanish princess. He flirted mercilessly at Court with his sister-in-law, Henriette-Anne, who was England's Charles II's sister. But Charles and Henriette had a plan for Louis to become involved with a different woman. Falling for it, Louis found himself with Louise de La Vallière, who still preserved her maiden head. Ever restless with his respective bed partners, Louis proceeded to have sexual relations with the Marquise de Montespan but eventually gave her up to be involved with his own granddaughter-in-law, Adélaïde.
While women of the day were not allowed to rule as they could in England or Spain, "Under a king, a country is really ruled by women," states Adélaïde prior to her death from measles. Reign these women did, while whispering sweet nothings of a political bent in the bedchambers of the promiscuous Louis XIV.
An excellent book about Louis XIV, a must-read for anyone fascinated with history, as well as French politics.
Armchair Interviews says: Well-written and fascinating with a touch of wit and well-referenced quotes.
Rated by buyers -
Of course this period of history is particularly interesting, but I always find everything more interesting when women are involved. Fascinating to trace the life of Louis through the women who were by his side - they don't usually get enough attention. Fraser's writing is at its usual high standard. I couldn't put it down.
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