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Shop nowLove and Louis XIV - Abridged
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Learn moreThe superb historian and biographer Antonia Fraser, author of Marie Antoinette, casts new light on the splendor and the scandals of the reign of Louis XIV in this dramatic, illuminating look at the women in his life.
The self-proclaimed Sun King, Louis XIV ruled over the most glorious and extravagant court in seventeenth-century Europe. Now, Antonia Fraser goes behind the well-known tales of Louisâs accomplishments and follies, exploring in riveting detail his intimate relationships with women.
The kingâs mother, Anne of Austria, had been in a childless marriage for twenty-two years before she gave birth to Louis XIV. A devout Catholic, she instilled in her son a strong sense of piety and fought successfully for his right to absolute power. In 1660, Louis married his first cousin, Marie-ThĂ©rĂšse, in a political arrangement. While unfailingly kind to the official Queen of Versailles, Louis sought others to satisfy his romantic and sexual desires. After a flirtation with his sister-in-law, his first important mistress was Louise de La ValliĂšre, who bore him several children before being replaced by the tempestuous and brilliant AthĂ©naĂŻs, marquise de Montespan. Later, when AthĂ©naĂŻsâs reputation was tarnished, the King continued to support her publicly as AthĂ©naĂŻs left court for a life of repentance. Meanwhile her childrenâs governess, the intelligent and seemingly puritanical Françoise de Maintenon, had already won the Kingâs affections; in a relationship in complete contrast to his physical obsession with AthĂ©naĂŻs, Louis XIV lived happily with Madame de Maintenon for the rest of his life, very probably marrying her in secret. When his grandsonâs child bride, the enchanting Adelaide of Savoy, came to Versaille she lightened the Kingâs last years â until tragedy struck.
With consummate skill, Antonia Fraser weaves insights into the nature of womenâs religious lives â as well as such practical matters as contraception â into her magnificent, sweeping portrait of the king, his court, and his ladies.
Antonia Fraser is the author of many internationally bestselling historical works, including Love and Louis XIV, Mary Queen of Scots, and Marie Antoinette, which was made into a film by Sofia Coppola. She is also the author of two memoirs, Must You Go? and My History. She has received the Wolfson History Prize, the 2000 Norton Medlicott Medal from Britain's Historical Association, and the Enid McLeod Franco-British Society Literary Prize. Fraser was made a Dame for services to literature in 2011.
Justine Eyre is an Audie Awardâwinning narrator with almost 300 titles to her credit. AudioFile magazine named her a Best Voice for Young Adult titles in 2013. Classically trained, she has appeared on stage, film, and television in such shows as Two and a Half Men and Mad Men.
Antonia Fraser is the author of many internationally bestselling historical works, including Love and Louis XIV, Mary Queen of Scots, and Marie Antoinette, which was made into a film by Sofia Coppola. She is also the author of two memoirs, Must You Go? and My History. She has received the Wolfson History Prize, the 2000 Norton Medlicott Medal from Britain's Historical Association, and the Enid McLeod Franco-British Society Literary Prize. Fraser was made a Dame for services to literature in 2011.
Justine Eyre is an Audie Awardâwinning narrator with almost 300 titles to her credit. AudioFile magazine named her a Best Voice for Young Adult titles in 2013. Classically trained, she has appeared on stage, film, and television in such shows as Two and a Half Men and Mad Men.