Description |
1 online resource (1 audio file (16hr., 26 min.)) : digital. |
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digital digital recording rda |
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data file rda |
Access |
Digital content provided by hoopla. |
Performer |
Read by Kate Reading. |
Summary |
An intelligent, authoritative, and often surprising biography of the most famous of French monarchs, by an acclaimed biographer and historian. This stylish and incisive narrative presents listeners 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. |
System Details |
Mode of access: World Wide Web. |
Subject |
Louis XIV, King of France, 1638-1715.
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France -- History -- Louis XIV, 1643-1715.
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France -- Court and courtiers -- History -- 17th century.
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France -- Kings and rulers -- Biography.
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Added Author |
Reading, Kate, narrator.
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hoopla digital.
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Added Title |
Louis the fourteenth |
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Louis 14th |
ISBN |
9781094009421 (sound recording : hoopla Audio Book) |
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1094009423 (sound recording : hoopla Audio Book) |
Music No. |
MWT12729138 |
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