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

By: Antonia Fraser

Published March 20th 2007 by Nan A. Talese (first published October 24th 2006)

Category: Biography

Pages: 388 pages

ISBN: 9780385509848

Description:
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 LouisÕs accomplishments and follies, exploring in riveting detail his intimate relationships with women.

The kingÕs 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-ThŽrse, 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 Vallire, who bore him several children before being replaced by the tempestuous and brilliant AthŽna•s, marquise de Montespan. Later, when AthŽna•sÕs reputation was tarnished, the king continued to support her publicly until AthŽna•s left court for a life of repentance. Meanwhile her childrenÕs governess, the intelligent and seemingly puritanical Franoise de Maintenon, had already won the kingÕs affections; in a relationship in complete contrast to his physical obsession with AthŽna•s, Louis XIV lived happily with Madame de Maintenon for the rest of his life, very probably marrying her in secret. When his grandsonÕs child bride, the enchanting Adelaide of Savoy, came to Versaille she lightened the kingÕs last yearsÑuntil tragedy struck.

With consummate skill, Antonia Fraser weaves insights into the nature of womenÕs religious livesÑas well as such practical matters as contraceptionÑinto her magnificent, sweeping portrait of the king, his court, and his ladies.