{"title":"Philip Mansel","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the captivating world of history and biography with the works of Philip Mansel, an acclaimed author known for his detailed and insightful explorations of dynamic periods and figures in history. Renowned for his ability to weave complex narratives, Mansel's books immerse readers in the vivid landscapes of past societies and the intricate lives of influential personalities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eKing of the World\u003c\/em\u003e, Mansel invites you to travel back to the grandeur of empires, offering a meticulous account of power and empire through the eyes of figures who shaped their times. Meanwhile, \u003cem\u003eLevant\u003c\/em\u003e uncovers the rich tapestry of cities that served as crossroads of culture, politics, and history in the Eastern Mediterranean. Both books exemplify Mansel's dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the past with depth and clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs you explore Mansel's collection, you'll find a treasure trove of knowledge that not only enriches your understanding of historical events but also provides compelling narratives that enlighten and engage. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a fan of biographies, Philip Mansel's works offer a journey through time that is both educational and enthralling.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"king-of-the-world-by-philip-mansel-9780241960585","title":"King of the World","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first full biography of the great Sun King of France for twenty years and winner of the Franco-British Society Book Prize.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLouis XIV dominated his age. He extended France's frontiers into the Netherlands and Germany, and established colonies overseas. The stupendous palace he built at Versailles became the envy of monarchs all over Europe. In his palaces, Louis encouraged dancing, hunting, music, and gambling. He loved conversation, especially with women—the power of women in Louis's life and reign is a particular theme of this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLouis was obsessed with the details of government, but the cost of building palaces and waging continuous wars devastated the country's finances and helped set it on the path to revolution. Nevertheless, by his death, he had helped make his grandson king of Spain, where his descendants still reign, and France had taken essentially the shape it has today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKing of the World\u003c\/em\u003e is the most comprehensive and up-to-date biography of this hypnotic, flawed figure in English. It draws on all the latest research to paint a convincing and compelling portrait of a man who, three hundred years after his death, still epitomises the idea of le grand monarque.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46372936450284,"sku":"9780241960585","price":36.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/3319393482274.jpg?v=1744821003"},{"product_id":"levant-by-philip-mansel-9780719567087","title":"Levant","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLevant\u003c\/em\u003e is a book of cities. It describes Smyrna, Alexandria, and Beirut when they were windows on the world, escapes from nationality and tradition, centres of wealth, pleasure, and freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUsing unpublished family papers, Philip Mansel describes their colourful, contradictory history, from the beginning of the French alliance with the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century to their decline in the mid-twentieth century. Smyrna was burnt; Alexandria Egyptianised; Beirut lacerated by civil war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46849488191724,"sku":"9780719567087","price":36.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/4800113482444.jpg?v=1759046911"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/philip-mansel.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}