History

THE AGE OF LOUIS XIV

By Voltaire

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Length20h 5m

About this audiobook

In "The Age of Louis XIV," Voltaire presents a meticulous exploration of the political, cultural, and social milieu of France during the reign of Louis XIV, highlighting the monarch's role in shaping a new era of absolutism. Through a blend of systematic analysis and engaging narrative, Voltaire employs a critical yet admiring tone, combining historical fact with poignant anecdote to illustrate the grandeur and turmoil of the period. His keen insights reflect not only his rationalist principles but also the burgeoning Enlightenment, positioning this work as both a history and a social critique that resonates with the themes of power and the human experience. Voltaire, a leading philosopher of the Enlightenment, was deeply influenced by the absolutist state and its effects on society. His early experiences with censorship and his disdain for dogma fuelled his desire to advocate for reason and progress. Living in an era marked by political strife and the clash between tradition and innovation, Voltaire's perspective in "The Age of Louis XIV" reveals his intent to challenge prevailing notions of authority while celebrating human achievement. This seminal work is recommended for readers interested in understanding the complexities of political power and culture from a historical perspective. Voltaire's sharp wit and analytical prowess make this book an essential read for anyone seeking to grasp not only the intricacies of the 17th century but also the enduring impact of its legacy on modern thought.

Political Intrigue Royalty & Courts Rebellion

Audiobook details

GenreHistory

Length20 hrs 5 mins

Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices

FormateBook with Audio

Publish dateDec 7, 2023

LanguageEnglish

1Introduction To The Age Of Louis XIV.

35Early Life

2Chapter I. The States Of Europe Before Louis XIV.

36Hegira To England

3Chapter II. Minority Of Louis XIV.—The Victories Of The French Under The Great Conde, Then Duke Of Enghien.

37Examples From England

4Chapter III. The Civil War.

38At Cirey

5Chapter IV. Continuation Of The Civil War, Till The End Of The Rebellion In 1654.

39“Candide”

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6Chapter V. France, Till The Death Of Cardinal Mazarin, 1661.

40The Encyclopædia

7Chapter VI. Louis XIV. Governs Alone—He Obliges The Spanish Branch Of The House Of Austria To Yield Him The Precedency Everywhere, And The Court Of Rome To Give Him Satisfaction—He Purchases Dunkirk, Sends Aid To The Emperor, The Dutch, And The Portuguese, And Renders His Kingdom Powerful And Flourishing.

41Last Days

8Chapter VII. The Conquest Of Flanders.

42His Character And Services

9Chapter VIII. Conquest Of Franche-Comté—Peace Of Aix-La-Chapelle.

43Tributes To Voltaire

10Chapter IX. Magnificence Of Louis XIV.—Conquest Of Holland.

44History

11Chapter X. Holland Evacuated—Franché-Comte Conquered A Second Time.

45Wars

12Chapter XI. The Glorious Campaign And Death Of Marshal Turenne.

46Politics

13Chapter XII. From The Death Of Turenne Till The Peace Of Nimeguen, In 1678.

47The Population Question

14Chapter XIII. The Taking Of Strasburg—The Bombarding Of Algiers—The Submission Of The Genoese—The Embassy From The Emperor Of Siam—The Pope Braved In Rome—The Succession To The Electorate Of Cologne Disputed.

48Nature’s Way

15Chapter XIV. James II. Of England Dethroned By His Son-in-Law, William III., And Protected By Louis XIV.

49Prayer

16Chapter XV. The Continent While William III. Was Invading England, Scotland, And Ireland, Till The Year 1697—Burning Of The Palatinate—Victories Of Marshals Catinat And Luxembourg.

50Doubt and Speculation

17Chapter XVI. Treaty With Savoy—Marriage Of The Duke Of Burgundy—Peace Of Ryswick—State Of France And Europe—Death And Last Will Of Charles II., King Of Spain.

51Dr. Pangloss and the Dervish

18Chapter XVII. The War Of 1701—Conduct Of Prince Eugene, Marshal Villeroi, The Duke Of Vendôme, The Duke Of Marlborough, And Marshal Villars; Until The Year 1703.

52Motives for Conduct

19Chapter XVIII. Loss Of The Battle Of Höchstädt, Or Blenheim.

53Self-Love

20Chapter XIX. Losses In Spain—The Battles Of Ramillies And Turin, And Their Consequences.

54Go From Your Village

21Chapter XX. Losses Of The French And Spaniards Continued—Louis XIV. Humbled; His Perseverance And Resources—Battle Of Malplaquet.

55Religious Prejudices

22Chapter XXI. Louis XIV. Continues To Solicit Peace, And To Defend Himself—The Duke Of Vendôme Secures The King Of Spain On His Throne.

56Sacred History

23Chapter XXII. Victory Gained By Marshal Villars At Denain—The Affairs Of France Retrieved—The General Peace.

57Dupe And Rogue

24Chapter XXIII. Private Anecdotes Of The Reign Of Louis XIV.