Richard Wilkinson studied at Cambridge and gained his doctorate at Hull. He was headmaster of Scarborough College and King Edward's School, Witley. Now retired, he teaches history at Marlborough College summer school. His previous publications include France and Europe 1661-1715 (2002) and Years of Turmoil (1999).

List of Figures

Acknowledgements

Chronology

1 Introduction

2 The rising sun, 1638-61

3 The king and his subjects

4 The king at work

5 Culture with a purpose

6 Relations and friends

7 The world at his feet: foreign policy, 1661-84

8 Louis XIV and religion

9 Nemesis: foreign policy, 1684-1715

10 The Sun King and his people, 1684-1715

11 Conclusion

Glossary

FURTHER READING

Index

This lively biography of Louis XIV focuses on Louis's personal life while keeping the needs of the history student at the forefront. This second edition includes an updated biography, new sections on the women at Louis's court, France in an international context, and Louis's involvement in ballet. It is essential reading for all history students.