Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King Book

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 Louisâ??s accomplishments and follies, exploring in riveting detail his intimate relationships with women.The kingâ??s 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-Thérèse, 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 Vallière, who bore him several children before being replaced by the tempestuous and brilliant Athénaïs, marquise de Montespan. Later, when Athénaïsâ??s reputation was tarnished, the king continued to support her publicly until Athénaïs left court for a life of repentance. Meanwhile her childrenâ??s governess, the intelligent and seemingly puritanical Françoise de Maintenon, had already won the kingâ??s affections; in a relationship in complete contrast to his physical obsession with Athénaïs, Louis XIV lived happily with Madame de Maintenon for the rest of his life, very probably marrying her in secret. When his grandsonâ??s child bride, the enchanting Adelaide of Savoy, came to Versaille she lightened the kingâ??s last yearsâ??until tragedy struck.With consummate skill, Antonia Fraser weaves insights into the nature of womenâ??s religious livesâ??as well as such practical matters as contraceptionâ??into her magnificent, sweeping portrait of the king, his court, and his ladies.Read More