Princes and Poisoners: Studies of the Court of Louis XIV

In this meticulously researched volume, the author opens a window onto the shadowy intrigues that rippled through the glittering court of Louis XIV. Drawing on long‑forgotten papers from the Arsenal Library, the work examines the notorious poison scandal that shocked Paris, the rise and fall of the infamous Marquise de Brinvilliers, and the tangled relationships of Madame de Montespan and other royal favourites. The narrative stays firmly grounded in documentary evidence, allowing readers to see how rumors of sorcery and murder intersected with everyday politics.

Beyond the sensational crimes, the book offers fresh insight into the early modern police force led by Gabriel Nicolas de la Reynie, and suggests a plausible reason for Racine’s sudden retirement from drama. With a calm, scholarly voice, the author lets the facts speak for themselves, presenting the court’s dark underbelly without melodramatic flourish. Listeners will come away with a clearer picture of how power, vanity, and fear shaped one of history’s most celebrated monarchies.