The Sun King: Louis XIV at Versailles (Paperback) by Nancy Mitford, Philip Mansel

from AlexTheHunn

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.

from wealhtheowwylfing

Mitford's gossipy, sarcastic tone invigorates the already fascinating tale of King Louis XIV of France.

from loafhunter13

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 genera...

from souloftherose

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 us...

from lucybrown

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...