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

I've read several of Fraser's books and she never disappoints. What I liked best in this one was that she concentrated on details of Louis' personal life and that of his lovers while the topics of politics and war were minimal. This must have been a joy for Fraser to write because there is so much known about the Sun King whose every move was noted by someone in his circle. Because her topic is so focussed, she is able to include significant details about general life (for royalty) such as birth control, childbirth, hygiene and medical treatments. However the mistresses and numerous offspring (all having similar names) form a mass of individuals that is tricky to follow, it is wise to make notes. Highly recommended.

There were plenty of parts of this book to like. As a history buff, i always like when the author includes information on what life was like in the period of the historical figure - clothing, food, religion, hygiene, etc. Some of the passages here were fun and informative to read.

However, some parts just read like a seedy tabloid, with sensationalist writing which I feel detracts from what could be a very educational and informative biography that offers a intimate glimpse into the life of the Sun King and his court. The excesses of the court would continue on into the next century, burdening Louis's successors with debt and a shitty reputation for the nobility and clergy, it's hardly a wonder the French Revolution was so harsh on show more people of said castes. show less

This was an informative and entertaining book that takes a look at the life of Louis XIV, the Sun King, by exploring the women in his life. Fraser focuses on Louis's mother, his wife Marie Therese, and then his many mistresses: the pious Louise; the confident, womanly, and fertile Athenais; and the motherly companion Francoise. Later in his life he also was enamored by his grandson's betrothed, Adelaide.

By keeping such a tight focus on the women in his life, Fraser creates a structure that is easy to follow and highly detailed. You can see how Louis changed through his life and paint a picture of who he was through the people he chose to keep closest to him. I thought the whole book was very well done and also thought the reader of the show more audiobook I listened to, Rosalyn Landor, was excellent. show less

A good look at the Sun King and the women he surrounded himself with. We learn of his relationship with his mother, his sisters-in-law, his mistresses, his wives, and his descendants. I was looking for something less political and more personal, and I found it in this book. The court of Louis XIV comes to life in Antonia Fraser's very capable hands. I was glad to read about the king's secret wife, Francoise d'Aubigne, who is a distant relative of mine. This made it all the more interesting for me.

Very easy to read and recommended for those looking for something that goes beyond the political life of the court of the Sun King.

I was surprised by how engrossing this history turned out to be. It kept my attention and moved along quickly, but still managed to be substantive and informative.

Fraser's catalog of Louis XIV's feminine companions is breathtaking in its scope. Every woman, from his mother to his great-grandchildren (and all the nieces, cousins, mistresses in between), is covered in this book. It greatest strength, however, is its flaw. With so many women to describe and discuss, it is very easy to lose track of all the intermingling relationships and families. The two family trees included as guides are helpful to a point, as well as the wonderfully reproduced portraits of all the principal characters. Any lover of court intrigues will find this book riveting.

A frustrating book. Interesting details about the wives and mistresses of Louis XIV but the focus is so narrow. Little information on the King himself or the actions he took to warrant being called the Sun King (unless dancing in a Court ballet counts). Did these women contribute anything to the decisions he made or were they merely ornaments. The answer seems to be the latter and that makes the content of the book rather trivial.