Memoirs of Louis XIV and His Court and of the Regency — Volume 09

In these memoirs the Duke of Saint‑Simon paints an intimate picture of life at the Sun King's court, where every gesture can become a statement of power. He recounts a seemingly routine journey to Fontainebleau that turns into a test of royal will, as the king orders a pregnant duchess to travel by boat despite her fever. The episode reveals both the meticulous protocol of Versailles and the monarch’s exacting demand for obedience.

Beyond the palace walls, Saint‑Simon links these personal dramas to the wider turmoil of Europe, noting news of the Ottoman victory over the Russian czar at the Pruth. The contrast between courtly ceremony and the stark realities of war offers listeners a layered understanding of the era’s politics. Through sharp observations and candid anecdotes, the memoir invites you to hear the rhythms of power, intrigue, and the fragile humanity that lived beneath the gilded surface.