The Sun King by Nancy Mitford

This biography of France's King Louis XIV is immensely readable. Honestly. Even if you're not a historical biography buff. For me, reading biographies are a great way to tap into a culture, an era, a seperate-but-equal way of looking at things. And because the focus is on a specific person, there's a nice gossipy soap-opera element. Nancy Mitford does an especially good job of getting all this across in a conversational style that is not afraid to display a bit o' wit. I mean, we're talking about court life in the 1600s, nothing was simple - not the hair, the clothes, and certainly not the way people communicated with eachother. But Mitford brings clarity in her role as historical tour guide, with lots of interesting info.

For example, did you know that during this period the biggest threat on women's lives was childbirth? While for men it was to be killed in battle, or die from wounds contracted in battle? Apparently the big spring/summer activity for noblemen and unlucky peasants was to lay seige to some rebellious feifdom or other. Lots of gallant pleasantries were exchanged across the battle lines - we're all gentlemen here sort of thing - but it remained the most significant cause of death among France's able-bodied men. A strange people. Or how about this one: Before King Louis convened a special inquiry to put an end to it, poisoning was a common solution for disposing of family difficulties - say an unwanted husband or wife.

I also appreciated the liberal use of colour illustrations in this book. architectural sketches and painted scenes help bring perspective, while period portraits take on a lot more meaning when you're trying to pick out your favourite princesse. Some time ago I read Mitford's biography of Madame de Pompadour, the famously cultured mistress of a later King Louis. There were no illustrations, and it would've been a big help. My only trouble with The Sun King came towards the end when the King's many kids, nieces, nephews, and grand-generation began to proliferate. Too many people, too few names (now that would be which Marie again?). Basically the guy lived too long; he not only survived his heir, but his heir's heir too. That must have caused him a great deal of stress.

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