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The Life of Louis XVI
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The Life of Louis XVI
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
A thought-provoking, authoritative biography of one of history’s most maligned rulers
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
A thought-provoking, authoritative biography of one of history’s most maligned rulers: France’s Louis XVI
“The definitive contribution to our understanding of Louis XVI as a man and a monarch.”—P. M. Jones, English Historical Review
“Monumental. . . . Scholars probing the mysteries of the late Old Regime and French Revolution will be working in its shadow for many years to come.”—Thomas E. Kaiser, Journal of Modern History
Louis XVI of France, who was guillotined in 1793 during the Revolution and Reign of Terror, is commonly portrayed in fiction and film either as a weak and stupid despot in thrall to his beautiful, shallow wife, Marie Antoinette, or as a cruel and treasonous tyrant. Historian John Hardman disputes both these versions in a fascinating new biography of the ill-fated monarch.
Based in part on new scholarship that has emerged over the past two decades, Hardman’s illuminating study describes a highly educated ruler who, though indecisive, possessed sharp political insight and a talent for foreign policy; who often saw the dangers ahead but could not or would not prevent them; and whose great misfortune was to be caught in the violent centre of a major turning point in history.
Hardman’s dramatic reassessment of the reign of Louis XVI sheds a bold new light on the man, his actions, his world, and his policies, including the king’s support for America’s War of Independence, the intricate workings of his court, the disastrous Diamond Necklace Affair, and Louis’s famous dash to Varennes.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
John Hardman's latest work on Louis XVI is regarded as the authoritative biography on the monarch, showcasing an extraordinary grasp of historical sources and offering fresh insights from previously unexplored materials. Reviewers praise the book for its accessible and engaging writing style, combining wit and clarity to convey complex issues succinctly. Hardman's deep understanding and lifetime dedication to this subject make this biography not only compelling but also unmatched in any language in its depth and erudition.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780300273649
Publisher: Yale University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 13 June 2023
Country: United States
Imprint: Yale University Press
Illustration: 24 bw illus
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 127.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 528
About the Author
John Hardman is one of the world’s leading experts on the French Revolution and the author of several well-regarded books on the subject. He was formerly lecturer in modern history at the University of Edinburgh.
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