Memoirs of Louis XIV

Summary

Memoirs of Louis XIV and the Regency by Louis de Rouvroy, Duc de Saint-Simon, offers a captivating and scandalous glimpse into the inner workings of the French court during the reign of Louis XIV and the subsequent regency.

Through Saint-Simon's vivid and often acerbic prose, readers are transported to the opulent and intrigue-filled world of Versailles. The memoir provides a detailed account of the king's reign, from his rise to absolute power to the decline of the monarchy. Saint-Simon spares no detail, offering insights into the personal lives of the royal family, the machinations of the court, and the political landscape of the time.

The memoir also chronicles the Regency period, which followed Louis XIV's death. Saint-Simon provides a firsthand account of the tumultuous years that led to the accession of Louis XV, offering a revealing portrait of the regent, Philippe d'Orléans, and the power struggles that characterized this era.

With its scandalous revelations, witty observations, and vivid descriptions, Memoirs of Louis XIV and the Regency remains a fascinating and essential work for anyone interested in French history and the intricacies of courtly life.