A biography by an acclaimed historian and biographer of the most famous of the French monarchs, Louis XIV, presents a fresh perspective on his long and complicated reign. Louis XIV's story had legendary beginnings, beguiling women, court intrigue, a mysterious prisoner in an iron mask, lavish court entertainments, the scandal of a mistress who was immersed in the dark arts, and a central character who is handsome and romantic, but with a frighteningly dark side to his character. Louis's political philosophy, his wars, and his relationships with courtiers and subjects were influenced by his belief that he was semi-divine. An ambiguous military strategist, Louis was an astute politician who led his country to the heights of sophistication and power-- and then watched it all crumble away. -- adapted from jacket.