Œuvres de Voltaire Tome XIX: Siècle de Louis XIV.—Tome I

A sweeping portrait of the Sun King’s era, this work blends vivid storytelling with sharp analysis, offering listeners a panoramic view of the political intrigues, cultural triumphs, and intellectual currents that defined late‑17th‑century France. Written by one of the Enlightenment’s most incisive voices, it moves beyond a simple chronicle, examining how art, science, and philosophy intertwined with royal ambition. The narrative captures the grandeur and contradictions of a period that still shapes modern ideas of power and society.

The edition you’ll hear is enriched with extensive introductions, scholarly notes, and contextual essays that illuminate the author’s writing process and the turbulent history of the book’s publication. These additions reveal the challenges of printing, the influence of contemporary critics, and the lasting impact of the work on historiography. Listeners gain both a compelling story and a deeper appreciation of the era’s lasting legacy.