The Sun King (1966)

Nancy Mitford's biography of Louis XIV is rather gossipy in tone; you can almost imagine that she's writing about people she's actually met, but very readable (probably because of the gossipyness). Unlike other biographies I've read there were no references although there was a list of sources used at the back of the book. This, taken together with the way Nancy Mitford writes, makes it very difficult for the reader to tell which bits (if any) are speculation on the author's part or disputed by other biographers.

Having said that, I think this makes a very good introduction to the court of Louis XIV. Throughout the book there are illustrations in both black and white and colour of the Royal family, courtiers and, of course, Versailles. There's also a fairly detailed family tree which is an absolute must when it comes to keeping track of who's who because of the similarities of name and title. It was a very engrossing read and it certainly helped this reader get her head round the different Louis' of the time. ( )

This book is focused on the end of the great monarchy period, its culmination being the French Revolution. It is an overview style history of Louis XIV, mostly dealing with his life revolving around Versailles. The book is meant to breeze over vast amounts of material and give the reader a general idea of the events, people and ideas shaping Europe and the World. It is well written and researched, with multiple sources, both primary and secondary. Due to the time at which it was written however, it requires a rather vast background of knowledge on related materials, languages and history to understand all the things being said. Beginners history for experts. At times the text can get carried away by the whims and personal taste of the author, some heritage obsessed moments and the result of the thread of the main ideas are lost. Still amazing research and some nuggets to be mined. ( )

Mitford's biography the Louis XIV is vividly written and well researched. While not as exhaustive as more scholarly works, it is eminently readable and informative. Of course, Mitford who is as well known for her novels as her non-fiction is a great stylist. In this work she prove to be as always entertaining and interesting as ever. ( )

Not as good as I'd hoped. The author is lauded for her chatty style of writing but it came across as gossipy. It becomes more and more difficult to keep track of who's who as the book progresses. Louis XIV was quite the character. I wanted to cry when he died. ( )

While Mitford's may not be the most scholarly work on Louis XIV, it certainly figures prominently among the most readable and enjoyable. Mitford writes well; she can pack a great deal of information in a well-crafted pithy phrase.