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France -- History -- Louis XIV, 1643-1715 Books
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Louis de Rouvroy Saint-Simon
Memoirs of Louis XIV and His Court and of the Regency — Complete
"Memoirs of Louis XIV and His Court and of the Regency — Complete" by Saint-Simon is a detailed historical account likely written in the early 18th century. The work provides an intricate portrait of the court of Louis XIV, focusing on his reign and the subsequent regency, detailing personal experiences and observations from the author's life as a courtier. This extensive memoir covers the author's reflections on royal affairs, political intrigues, and notable events of the period. At the start of the memoirs, the author, Louis de Rouvroy, Duc de Saint-Simon, introduces himself and offers insight into his early life and entry into the military. He recounts his journey to join the Musketeers and details significant events, such as the siege of Namur and the surrounding hardships faced by his unit due to severe weather. The beginning sets a tone of candid observation, laying out the author's desire to document the complexities of court life, as he also hints at personal ambitions and influences within the royal environment. This blend of personal narrative and historical inquiry invites readers into a vivid exploration of 17th and 18th-century France and the intricacies of its power dynamics.
Frantz Funck-Brentano
Princes and Poisoners: Studies of the Court of Louis XIV
"Princes and Poisoners: Studies of the Court of Louis XIV" by Frantz Funck-Brentano is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the dark, scandalous realm of the court during Louis XIV's reign, with a particular focus on infamous figures, including the Marquise de Brinvilliers, a notorious poisoner. It delves deeply into the intrigues, murders, and the sociopolitical atmosphere of the time, presenting both historical events and critical analysis of societal values. At the start of the book, the author introduces the Marquise de Brinvilliers as a striking figure in French judicial history, known for her involved and infamous criminal activities. Funck-Brentano hints at her complex personality and the profound impact of her actions within Louis XIV's court. It is suggested that the narrative will uncover the details of her life, her trial, and the cultural climate of poisonings that rocked the elite of France. The opening sets the tone for a gripping exploration of morality, power dynamics, and the human capacity for both charm and cruelty.
Victor Cousin
The youth of Madame de Longueville, or new revelations of court and convent in the seventeenth century
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Jean François Paul de Gondi de Retz
Memoirs of Jean François Paul de Gondi, Cardinal de Retz — Complete
"Mémoires of Jean François Paul de Gondi, Cardinal de Retz—Complete" by Retz is a historical memoir written in the 17th century. The work chronicles the tumultuous events during the minority of Louis XIV and the administration of Cardinal Mazarin, mainly through the lens of the author’s personal experiences and reflections as a key player in the intrigues of the French court. The narrative offers readers a glimpse into both court politics and the author's own aspirations and failures. The opening of the memoir sets the stage for Retz's life, presenting him as a complex character, deeply entrenched in political machinations and personal relationships. He reflects on his upbringing, connections to influential figures, and early choices that led him into ecclesiastical service despite his inclination toward a more worldly life. Retz shares anecdotes of his flirtations with romance, his ambitions for power, and the dubious decisions he navigated within the turbulent political landscape of France, hinting at deeper themes of ambition, love, and moral complexity. The memoir promises not only a historical account but a vibrant portrait of a man caught between duty and desire amid the intrigues of the French court.
Tallemant des Réaux
Les historiettes de Tallemant des Réaux, tome sixième Mémoires pour servir à l'histoire du XVIIe siècle
"Les historiettes de Tallemant des Réaux, tome sixième" by Tallemant des Réaux is a collection of personal memoirs written from 1657 onwards. This sixth volume continues Tallemant's candid portraits of seventeenth-century France, chronicling kings, courtiers, writers, and scandalous figures with unflinching honesty. Written without intention of publication, these accounts remained in manuscript form until 1834, when they shocked readers who preferred idealized versions of the Grand Siècle. Tallemant's iconoclastic observations offer an intimate, unvarnished glimpse into the political and literary world of his time.
John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott
Louis XIV. Makers of History Series
"Louis XIV." by John S. C. Abbott is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life and reign of one of France's most famous monarchs, Louis XIV, providing insights into both his public achievements and his private struggles. Abbott aims to delve into the personal life of the king, presenting him as more than just a sovereign but as a man navigating through court intrigues, ambitions, and familial dynamics. The opening of the book introduces the complexities of Louis XIV's early life, beginning with the political landscape surrounding his birth as the son of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. Abbott outlines the tensions in the royal marriage and the early challenges faced by the young king, including the corrupt court environment and his education under Cardinal Mazarin. The narrative paints a picture of the political turmoil of the period, detailing the interplay between the monarchy and the rebellious sentiments of the nobility. Through this early glimpse, the reader is invited into the intricate and tumultuous beginnings of what would become a long and impactful reign.
Tallemant des Réaux
Les historiettes de Tallemant des Réaux, tome second Mémoires pour servir à l'histoire du XVIIe siècle
"Les historiettes de Tallemant des Réaux, tome second" by Tallemant des Réaux is a collection of memoirs written starting in 1657. This second volume continues the author's vivid portraits of seventeenth-century French political and literary figures. Originally not intended for publication, these accounts remained in manuscript form until 1834, when they scandalized readers with their iconoclastic revelations about the Grand Siècle. The work captures kings, cardinals, writers, courtesans, and courtiers through personal anecdotes and conversations, offering an unvarnished view of a celebrated era.
Louis de Rouvroy Saint-Simon
Selections from Saint-Simon
"Selections from Saint-Simon" by duc de Louis de Rouvroy Saint-Simon is a historical collection written in the early 20th century. This work presents selected excerpts from Saint-Simon's extensive memoirs, which provide a vivid depiction of the court of Louis XIV during the decline of his reign. It offers readers an intriguing glimpse into the political intrigues, personalities, and societal norms of 17th-century France, featuring notable figures such as the King himself and Madame de Maintenon. The opening of this text includes a preface and introduction that set the stage for the selections to follow. The editor, Arthur Tilley, discusses the challenge of reading the entire collection of Saint-Simon's "Mémoires," comprising numerous volumes filled with historical accounts. Instead, he chooses excerpts focusing on the reign of Louis XIV that illustrate the complexities and decadence of that era. The introduction also outlines Saint-Simon's background, his rise to prominence at court, and his distinctive style, emphasizing his sharp observations and rich character studies, making the memoirs a treasure trove for those interested in French history and literature.
Louis de Rouvroy Saint-Simon
Memoirs of Louis XIV and His Court and of the Regency — Volume 01
"Memoirs of Louis XIV and His Court and of the Regency — Volume 01" by Saint-Simon is a historical account written in the early 18th century. The text offers an intimate and detailed glimpse into the intrigues, personal lives, and social dynamics of the French court during the reign of Louis XIV and the subsequent Regency period. It revolves around the author’s experiences and reflections, including his own early life, military aspirations, and relationships with those at court, all set against the backdrop of significant historical events. At the start of the memoir, the author recounts his birth into nobility, highlighting his family background and the influence of his parents, particularly his mother’s guidance on personal value and ambition. He reveals his longing to join the military, detailing his entry into the Musketeers and annotating his experiences during campaigns, including the siege of Namur. The narrative further unfolds to include personal anecdotes about those in power, the marriages within the royal family, and the impact of social whims on court life, leading to a rich tapestry of courtly intrigue and a critical examination of prominent historical figures.
Tallemant des Réaux
Les historiettes de Tallemant des Réaux, tome quatrième Mémoires pour servir à l'histoire du XVIIe siècle
"Les historiettes de Tallemant des Réaux, tome quatrième" by Tallemant des Réaux is a collection of personal memoirs begun in 1657. This fourth volume continues Tallemant's vivid portraits of seventeenth-century French society, capturing political and literary figures through anecdotes and conversations. Originally not intended for publication, these accounts remained in manuscript form until 1834, when they scandalized readers with their iconoclastic revelations about the Grand Siècle. The work profiles royalty, writers, courtesans, and political figures, offering intimate glimpses behind the era's polished facade.
Tallemant des Réaux
Les historiettes de Tallemant des Réaux, tome troisième Mémoires pour servir à l'histoire du XVIIe siècle
"Les historiettes de Tallemant des Réaux, tome troisième" by Tallemant des Réaux is a collection of personal memoirs written starting in 1657. This third volume continues Tallemant's intimate portraits of seventeenth-century France, documenting kings, literary giants, courtesans, and political figures. Originally not intended for publication, these accounts remained in manuscript form until 1834, when they shocked readers with their iconoclastic revelations about the Grand Siècle. Independent testimonies have since confirmed the accuracy of Tallemant's often scandalous reports.
P. L. Jacob
L'homme au masque de fer
"L'homme au masque de fer" by P. L. Jacob is a historical account written in the early 19th century. The narrative delves into the intriguing and mysterious story surrounding the figure known as the Masked Man, a person who was imprisoned under peculiar circumstances during the reign of Louis XIV. The author explores various historical hypotheses and records related to this enigmatic character, engaging with a wealth of speculation regarding his identity and significance. The opening of the book sets the stage for an exploration of the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask, first publicized in 1745. It recounts the earliest accounts of his imprisonment and raises questions about his identity, notably suggesting various candidates such as Louis XIV's illegitimate son. Jacob references previous literature, rumors, and controversies that swirl around the Masked Man, hinting at the dramatic and often contradictory tales that have emerged over time. The narrative suggests a deep dive into the conspiracies and secrets of his imprisonment, positioning it as a subject of both fascination and scholarly debate.
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