Louis XIV

The Power and the Glory

By: Josephine Wilkinson

Narrated by: Kate Reading

An intelligent, authoritative, and often surprising biography of the most famous of French monarchs, by an acclaimed biographer and historian

This stylish and incisive narrative presents listeners with a fresh perspective on one of the most fascinating kings in European history. Louis XIV's story has all the ingredients of a Dumas classic: legendary beginnings, beguiling women, court intrigue, a mysterious prisoner in an iron mask, lavish court entertainments, the scandal of a mistress who was immersed in the dark arts, and a central character who is handsome and romantic, but with a frighteningly dark side to his character.

Louis believed himself to be semi-divine. His self-identification as the Sun King, which was reflected in iconography by the sun god, Apollo, influenced every aspect of Louis's life: his political philosophy, his wars, and his relationships with courtiers and subjects.

As a military strategist, Louis' capacity was ambiguous, but he was an astute politician who led his country to the heights of sophistication and power - and then had the misfortune to live long enough to see it all crumble away. As the sun began to set upon this most glorious of reigns, it brought a gathering darkness filled with the anguish of dead heirs, threatened borders, and a populace that was dangerously dependent upon - but greatly distanced from - its king.

©2019 Josephine Wilkinson (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Not for the uninitiated.

Wilkinson has absolutely done her research and she has a penchant for relating historical scenes down to the minutest details. On one hand, she is able to recreate scenes of Louis' life in the most vivid of detail, making it easy to imagine what it might have looked like, sounded like, felt like.... on the other hand Wilkinson seems to have no forest for all the trees. Her book is largely descriptive and while it's clear that Wilkinson's research has a focus, I'd say it's better defined by what she DOESN'T tell than what she does. In this book you will find wars and famines glossed over. Major players name-dropped then forgotten. Treaties unnamed, dynastic marriages implied rather than stated. But you will learn what color of dress the Queen wore and which remarks were made about dinner. I could theorize that Wilkinson has a purpose in writing her biography this way, but her narrative intent is frustratingly obtuse. I did enjoy the biography (It was a refreshing reprieve from the Wars and Treaties and Treaties and Wars of more traditional histories) but I really think it's for people who already know the larger story and want to immerse themselves further. If you just want a biography to tell you what you need to know and spare you the things you don't, this one is not for you.

this book ignores the turmoil in Louie's life

being that Louis brother Philippe was a homosexual who had a militaristic lover who influenced the kingdom deeply was totally ignored causes me to Define this book as a lightly intimate portrait of Louie's life. Unsatisfying and hard to listen to after a while. Very boring. Considering everything that went on in his 72 years as king of France. I do not recommend this book

Wish I got the Antonia Fraiser

A jumble of a series of events. Not particularly compelling in any section and at times a hagiographic mess as the author makes light of his persecutions of Protestants. The political intrigues are poorly presented as is the contexts for his wars.

terrible

terrible book. no coherence of narrative. I know more about the bullion he ate with his 14th mistress while wearing three yellow feathers in his green cap than I do about the war of Spanish succession. history books authored by women are not meant to be read. too bad there isn't a real biography of one of Europe's most important historical figures on audible. this book was such garbage.

Ok

It seemed a lot more like it focused on who he was sleeping with, who other people were sleeping with and what they were wearing from day to day. To be fair, I only got half way in and skipped to the Spanish Succession, which was nothing more than a glossing over.

The narrator did well, but hearing "June six" or "May five" gets old fast.

Many better biographies to get. Don't waste your time.

Fluff and almost nothing else

I got as far as chapter 4 before giving up. It is mostly a narrative on who was wearing what, to whichever public appearance, ceremony or meeting happened along the timeline. A peep at the 17th Century red carpet rather than anything of historical importance.....or even interest.