Before Versailles: Before the History You Know... a Novel of Louis XIV

By Karleen Koen

Book Overview

"A grand yet intimate look at the Sun King, a tale rich with detail and action."--Library Journal (Starred Review, one of the best historical novels of the year)

Before Versailles transports you to a world of secret passions and plots, a world of duplicity and malice...a world that created one of the best-known monarchs to grace the French throne.

At the most decisive time in the young king's life, Louis XIV can taste the danger. His court teems with greed and corruption, the wrong woman draws him into a wrenching love affair, and a mysterious boy in an iron mask haunts the woods. The untried ruler is coming into his own in 1661, and Louis XIV must face what he is willing to sacrifice for honor and for love.

Meticulously researched and gorgeously brought to life by New York Times bestselling author Karleen Koen, Before Versailles offers up a sumptuous, authentic exploration of a time that forged a man into a king.

Praise for Before Versailles:

"In this magnificently written and researched novel, Karleen Koen brings to vibrant life the early years and loves of the future Sun King."--Jean M. Auel, author of The Clan of the Cave Bear and the Land of Painted Caves

"A baroque cornucopia spilling over with intrigue, passion, jealousy, ambition, and rich historical detail, Before Versailles offers a glittering glimpse of the crucial months that shaped Louis XIV into Europe's most powerful monarch."--Eleanor Herman, author of Sex with Kings

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1402275900
• ISBN13: 9781402275906
• Release Date: September 2012
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

.. fight for power ..

This book is written in the early reign of Louis XIV; the time of March 1661 to September 1661 to be exact. There are many different characters in the book, from Louis XIV, his mistresses, and his courtiers. The book also takes many of these characters and progresses the story on from their point of view. I would say that the multiple points of view although wonderful to the story to see what everyone was planning and thinking, it was a bit tiring to process since the switch between different characters is not always readily apparent. Reading about his very early reign and his steps to gain complete control from the tradition of “First” Ministers was interesting, as I know very little about this particular King. I would read this book again, but not for some time. It was interesting but there was still a lot to be desired. As I said too many voices, too many side stories

Wonderful Story of a Sliver in Time of Louis XlV &

The Story line is a short glimpse into the life of Louis XlV King of France in his early twenties in the 17th Century & some of the players at court, the decisions that changed his reign, & some of the women he loved, including his wife, his sister in law, and her maid of honor. This story shows some of his inner battles with a young king who has the weight of the nation on his shoulders & his inner search to do what is right for his people, his morals, and his kingdom. This book read very nicely with no long periods of dragging on. It tells of some of the inner circle of family, friends, enemies, lovers,& spies.