Selections from Saint-Simon

This compact anthology gathers the most vivid portions of a monumental memoir that once filled eighteen volumes. It concentrates on the final two‑thirds of Louis XIV’s reign, letting listeners hear the daily rhythms of the Sun King’s court as its brilliance begins to wane. From the intimate scenes of the king and Madame de Maintenon to the extravagant spectacle of the Compiègne review, the selection offers a lively portrait of an era in transition.

The memoirist, a seasoned courtier who began recording his observations after sixty, brings a sharp, personal eye to every character he meets. His sketches of figures such as the charismatic Conti, the austere Cardinal d’Estrées, and the thoughtful Fénelon are both detailed and penetrating, revealing their ambitions, follies, and hidden motives. Interwoven with his own reflections, the narrative feels like a conversation with someone who lived the history rather than merely reported it.

Designed for listeners who lack the time for the full work, the selection balances rich historical detail with engaging storytelling. It invites you to step into Versailles’s corridors, hear the whispers of intrigue, and sense the human drama behind the glittering façade, all while sparking curiosity to explore Saint‑Simon’s larger masterpiece.