Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King

by: Antonia Fraser

Published by: Anchor Books

Reviewed By Michele E. Davis

You know how Louis XIV’s life ended, but in order to understand it, you have to go back to the beginning.

Antonia Fraser, a rolific historical writer, paints a gorgeous portrait of Louis XIV, the Dauphin. He was the first male child borne to Anne of Austria, and his love of women continued throughout his life. Timelines, bloodlines and everything you ever wanted to know about Louis XIV is written in an engaging, witty style, drawing from numerous texts that are highly footnoted. This is a comprehensive study of 17th Century France and the torn dichotomy of Louis’s soul: he feared God, wanted to provide for the French people, yet had an astounding sexual appetite.

He gave up his first true love, Marie Mancini, to marry his cousin Maria Teresa, the Spanish princess. He flirted mercilessly at Court with his sister-in-law, Henriette-Anne, who was England’s Charles II’s sister. But Charles and Henriette had a plan for Louis to become involved with a different woman. Falling for it, Louis found himself with Louise de La Valliére, who still preserved her maiden head. Ever restless with his respective bed partners, Louis proceeded to have sexual relations with the Marquise de Montespan but eventually gave her up to be involved with his own granddaughter-in-law, Adélaïde.

While women of the day were not allowed to rule as they could in England or Spain, “Under a king, a country is really ruled by women,” states Adélaïde prior to her death from measles. Reign these women did, while whispering sweet nothings of a political bent in the bedchambers of the promiscuous Louis XIV.

An excellent book about Louis XIV, a must-read for anyone fascinated with history, as well as French politics.

Armchair Interviews says: Well-written and fascinating with a touch of wit and well-referenced quotes.