Louis XIV a Dit

Of these 600 quotations, some are excerpts from writings by witnesses, memorialists and the reign’s countless historians, while others originate from the monarch’s correspondence and writings, just as they were written, dictated or inspired by him. Readers will delight in this portrait of a multifaceted figure – so prominent, yet little known in terms of his personality, thought and exercise of power.Here, then, is a small book to be read however we choose, blending the pleasure of rediscovering the very familiar with the excitement of new insights. It can be enjoyed as much by amateurs of history as by scholars. It delves into a glorious and legendary past full of secrets and shadows, unearthing illuminations which can still help to clarify the uncertain present and future of a country whose conscience and capacity to imagine have been strongly influenced by this tumultuous reign, seemingly cloaked in unperturbed glory. In this year 2015, which promises to be very Louis XIV-oriented, it will be one of the paperbacks people will buy as gifts, consult, or plunge into and pick passages from, without having to read them all in one sitting. From anthologies it derives the charm of “interruptible” reading, and from historical studies, the benefit of an itinerary for a tour of the great reign, guided by its king.