Customer Reviews

Philippe, Duc D'Orleans: Regent of France

5 star:		(2)
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Knowing nothing about this historical personage or his period, I was pleasantly surprised with the intriguing, contradictory character of Philippe, the nephew of Louis XIV, and Regent for King Louis XV. The author relied heavily on primary sources to describe the Regent and his times, particularly on the letters of his mother (the second duchesse d'Orleans, Elizabeth Charlotte) and Saint Simon's writings. Since both famous writers were close to the Regent, there are lively sketches of Philippe. It is a balanced biography; the Regent's controversial personal life is addressed, too. The author establishes the background carefully, describing Louis XIV's overly long reign at its end; the old, rigid court at Versailles, the King's control of the nobility, the "liberal" movement towards Paris, the problems encountered by Louis XIV's grandson as the first Bourbon king of Spain, military and economic problems. Then, the Regency: politics and coup, social issues, and fiscal reforms. The author also presents cultural affairs (the arts) with great sensitivity. There is an excellent genealogy table and "cast of characters" preceding the text; also, a few pages of illustrations. This is an engrossing biography with useful"extras."

I bought this book by accident. I had intended to get a book on Philippe Egalite, the great grandson of Philippe II duc d'orleans. I was immediately captivated by this book and read it within a few days though.
I learned quite a bit about Louis the XIV's and Louis the XV's time of which I'd been unaware.
My only criticism is that my French is rusty and many times the author had quotes in French with no translations. This was a bit annoying. I found an online translator, [...], which was very helpful though. I can't really dock a book because of my own ignorance!! This book is a five star book!!!