About the book
Winner of the Franco-British Society Book Prize 2019
'The ultimate biography of the Sun King' Simon Sebag Montefiore
Louis XIV dominated his age. He extended France's frontiers into Netherlands and Germany, and established colonies overseas. The stupendous palace he built at Versailles became the envy of monarchs all over Europe. In his palaces, Louis encouraged dancing, hunting, music and gambling. He loved conversation, especially with women: the power of women in Louis's life and reign is a particular theme of this book. Louis was obsessed by the details of government but the cost of building palaces and waging continuous wars devastated the country's finances and helped set it on the path to revolution. Nevertheless, by his death, he had helped make his grandson king of Spain, where his descendants still reign, and France had taken essentially the shape it has today.
King of the World is the most comprehensive and up-to-date biography of this hypnotic, flawed figure in English. It draws on all the latest research to paint a convincing and compelling portrait of a man who, three hundred years after his death, still epitomises the idea of le grand monarque.
Editions of King of the World
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780241960585
- EBook
- ISBN 9780241960592
Read an Excerpt
Winner of the Franco-British Society Book Prize 2019
'The ultimate biography of the Sun King' Simon Sebag Montefiore
Louis XIV dominated his age. He extended France's frontiers into Netherlands and Germany, and established colonies overseas. The stupendous palace he built at Versailles became the envy of monarchs all over Europe. In his palaces, Louis encouraged dancing, hunting, music and gambling. He loved conversation, especially with women: the power of women in Louis's life and reign is a particular theme of this book. Louis was obsessed by the details of government but the cost of building palaces and waging continuous wars devastated the country's finances and helped set it on the path to revolution. Nevertheless, by his death, he had helped make his grandson king of Spain, where his descendants still reign, and France had taken essentially the shape it has today.
King of the World is the most comprehensive and up-to-date biography of this hypnotic, flawed figure in English. It draws on all the latest research to paint a convincing and compelling portrait of a man who, three hundred years after his death, still epitomises the idea of le grand monarque.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is King of the World about?
Winner of the Franco-British Society Book Prize 2019
'The ultimate biography of the Sun King' Simon Sebag Montefiore
Louis XIV dominated his age. He extended France's frontiers into Netherlands and Germany, and established colonies overseas. The stupendous palace he built at Versailles became the envy of monarchs all over Europe. In his palaces, Louis encouraged dancing, hunting, music and gambling. He loved conversation, especially with women: the power of women in Louis's life and reign is a particular theme of this book. Louis was obsessed by the details of government but the cost of building palaces and waging continuous wars devastated the country's finances and helped set it on the path to revolution. Nevertheless, by his death, he had helped make his grandson king of Spain, where his descendants still reign, and France had taken essentially the shape it has today.
King of the World is the most comprehensive and up-to-date biography of this hypnotic, flawed figure in English. It draws on all the latest research to paint a convincing and compelling portrait of a man who, three hundred years after his death, still epitomises the idea of le grand monarque.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in King of the World?
History and Archaeology > History > European history
Where can I read a sample of King of the World?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241960585
Who is/are the Author/s of the book King of the World?
Philip Mansel
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
King of the World is available as paperback(ISBN 9780241960585) and ebook(ISBN 9780241960592)
Where can I buy King of the World online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy King of the World from below
Where can I buy King of the World?