Louis XIV and La Grande Mademoiselle, 1652-1693

By Arvède Barine

Book Overview

A glittering court, a city in turmoil, and a woman whose power rivalled kings-amid the opulent salons of seventeenth-century Paris, destinies were shaped and broken by ambition, wit, and intrigue. In this vivid French historical biography, the reader is drawn into the labyrinthine world of the royal court, where the pulse of Versailles beats in time with the hopes and heartbreaks of its most formidable women. Against the backdrop of the Louis XIV era, the narrative traces the extraordinary life of a noblewoman whose intellect and defiance unsettled the monarchy, illuminating the complex web of French monarchy politics and noble family dynamics that defined an age. With meticulous attention to detail, the story unfolds through moments of grandeur and exile, revealing not only the public spectacles but also the private struggles of women in power. The book's rich portraiture captures the essence of court life, from clandestine alliances to the relentless pursuit of favour, offering a rare window into the inner workings of a society where every gesture could tip the balance of fortune. For history enthusiasts and scholars alike, this work stands as both an engaging account and an indispensable academic research resource, shedding new light on the personalities who shaped the fate of France. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations, ensuring that the voices of Paris in the seventeenth century-and the unforgettable presence of figures like Anna of Austria-are preserved and celebrated. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, destined to enrich any classic collection and captivate readers with its timeless exploration of power, passion, and the enduring allure of Versailles history.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9374126818
• ISBN13: 9789374126813
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Alpha Edition
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"