Memoirs of the Court of Louis XIV. and of the Regency — Complete

Step into the bustling salons of the early 18th‑century French court through the candid letters of Madame Elizabeth‑Charlotte, Duchess d’Orléans. Her missives to royalty and diplomats reveal the glittering intrigues, fashion, and personal rivalries that shaped the reign of Louis XIV and the subsequent Regency. The prose oscillates between witty banter and incisive observation, offering a vivid glimpse of a world where power and propriety constantly collide.

Beyond courtly spectacle, the Duchess’s correspondence doubles as a personal diary, chronicling her ambitions, family ties, and the delicate balance she maintained between loyalty and self‑interest. Readers encounter frank critiques of courtiers, tender reflections on friendships, and the occasional scandalous rumor, all rendered in a voice that feels surprisingly modern. This unvarnished collection not only enriches our understanding of an era but also invites listeners to hear the private thoughts of a woman navigating a notoriously duplicitous society.