Description
This stylish and incisive narrative presents readers 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's 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.
About the Author
Josephine Wilkinson is the accomplished author of numerous biographies published in Great Britain: Anne Boleyn, The Princes in the Tower, Katherine Howard, and Richard III. She received her PhD from the University of Newcastle. She has been scholar-in-residence at St Denial's Library. She now lives in York, Richard III's favorite city.
Reviews
"An impressive revisionist biography." -- The Times (London) [praise for Josephine Wilkinson]
"Wilkinson bravely tackles the question head on: what really happened to Richard's nephews, the Princes in the Tower? The writing is incisive, rigorous and academic whilst also being accessible and engaging. Wilkinson will certainly get you thinking." -- Huffington Post [praise for Josephine Wilkinson]
Book Information
ISBN 9781643130156
Author Josephine Wilkinson
Format Hardback
Page Count 480
Imprint Pegasus Books
Publisher Pegasus Books
Weight(grams) 652g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 163mm * 41mm
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's 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.
About the Author
Josephine Wilkinson is the accomplished author of numerous biographies published in Great Britain: Anne Boleyn, The Princes in the Tower, Katherine Howard, and Richard III. She received her PhD from the University of Newcastle. She has been scholar-in-residence at St Denial's Library. She now lives in York, Richard III's favorite city.
Reviews
"An impressive revisionist biography." -- The Times (London) [praise for Josephine Wilkinson]
"Wilkinson bravely tackles the question head on: what really happened to Richard's nephews, the Princes in the Tower? The writing is incisive, rigorous and academic whilst also being accessible and engaging. Wilkinson will certainly get you thinking." -- Huffington Post [praise for Josephine Wilkinson]
Book Information
ISBN 9781643130156
Author Josephine Wilkinson
Format Hardback
Page Count 480
Imprint Pegasus Books
Publisher Pegasus Books
Weight(grams) 652g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 163mm * 41mm
