Louis XIV. Makers of History Series

"Louis XIV." by John S. C. Abbott is a historical narrative that explores the life and times of the famous French King. The book looks at Louis XIV as both a powerful leader and a person dealing with problems at court, big goals, and family matters. Early on, the author paints a picture of Louis's complicated childhood as the son of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, revealing the tensions between his parents and the difficulties he faced growing up with a dishonest court and an education controlled by Cardinal Mazarin, showing the political chaos of the time and the conflict between the king and the rebellious nobles, drawing readers into the complex start of a reign that had enormous impact on France.