Louis XIV

J. H. Shennan surveys the reign of Louis XIV in three broad, interrelated sections which consider the character and outlook of the King, his domestic and foreign policy, and the personality cult of the Sun King. Shennan focuses particularly on the King's reactions to the problems of raising finance, religious issues, his creation of a state machine--giving more power to central government then any dynastic ruler had exercised before--and concludes with a lucid analysis of Louis' foreign policy.

J.H. Shennan is Professor of European History at the University of Lancaster.