Memoirs of the Court of Louis XIV. and of the Regency — Volume 04

A vivid portrait of the French court emerges from the private recollections of the Regent’s mother, a woman who moved among monarchs, dukes and duchesses with a keen eye for the hidden currents of power. Through candid anecdotes she paints the temperaments of kings—such as the irascible Victor Amadeus of Sicily—and the delicate negotiations of aristocratic marriages, revealing how personal whims could shape diplomatic affairs. The narrative also captures the everyday concerns of the elite, from unpaid pensions to the longing for simple pleasures like a soothing spa visit.

Interwoven with these observations are colorful stories of intrigue and affection, from the flamboyant escapades of a courtly mistress to the quiet resilience of a grand duchess yearning for her return home. The memoirist’s voice is both intimate and discerning, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the human side of an era often remembered only for its grandeur. This collection invites anyone curious about the personalities that animated the glittering yet turbulent world of Louis XIV’s successors.