French Royalty

Understand a crucial part of the history of French monarchy, with this collection of portraits of some of the most spectacular rulers of France. This catalog lists the kings named Louis, from Louis XIII the Just who stood up against political intrigues, to Louis XVIII who reigned during the Restauration of the French Monarchy after the fall of Emperor Napoleon. For each one of these Kings, you will find a detailed description of the style of his reign and his political achievements.

France's most famous king, and Europe's longest serving, Louis XIV (1638-1715) is often viewed today as a symbol of royal extravagance and splendor. Reigning for over 72 years, the legacy of the "Sun King" is remembered for the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the patronizing of arts and theater, and the apocryphal quote "l'Etat c'est moi" (I am the State).

Understand a crucial part of the history of French monarchy with this collection of portraits of some of the most spectacular rulers of France: Louis XI, Louis XII, Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI, Louis XVII, Louis XVIII, Louis-Philippe, and Henry IV, also known as the "Good King Henry". The history of the kingdom of France is crucial to understanding the shape of politics in Europe, and this detailed dive into the lives and reigns of these most famous rulers will familiarize you with the human and strategic stakes of this period.

Éléonore, 23 ans, votre nouvelle Reine... Oui, Votre Reine ! En toute franchise, je me serais contentée de rester Princesse mais quand toute ma famille sombre, littéralement, me voilà propulsée sur le Trône. Problème : je ne suis pas faite pour assumer les responsabilités d'un Royaume... Mais vraiment pas. Et lorsqu'en plus on me colle dans les pattes, soi-disant pour assurer ma sécurité, un Écossais ombrageux, tatoué, et persuadé qu'on veut ma mort... Tout échappe à mon contrôle.

Louis XVI is one of the most famous kings of France, but for reasons he would have much rather avoided. Coming of age in the wake of the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV, and his father, Louis XV, Louis XVI initially intended to be one of France's most enlightened kings. Instead, he was destined to be the only French king ever executed. Indeed, it is his death and his role in fomenting the French Revolution (along with his infamous queen, Marie Antoinette) that continue to play the central role in Louis XVI's legacy.

Princess Eugenie of France was the original Lady Diana of Parisian-Revolutionary-Victorian Society. Her life was full of turmoil and triumphs, encouraging anyone who has suffered to embrace her strength of character and compassion. This work was originally translated from German in 1910, 10 years before her death. The seconda author has attempted to shed new light on her impact on European History. Though this attempt is light indeed.

Throughout history, a countless number of historical figures have had their lives overshadowed by the myths and legends that surround them to the extent that their legacy comes to define them. In French history, this is truer of Marie Antoinette than just about everyone else. Nearly 220 years after she was put to the guillotine, Marie Antoinette is more famous than ever, fairly or unfairly coming to epitomize royalty and everything that was wrong with it.

King Philip VI was the first French King of the famous House Valois, and he inherited France at the height of its power. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t remain that way for long. His fierce rivalry with King Edward of England destabilized the region, threw France into turmoil, and launched one of Europe's most infamous wars: The Hundred Years’ War. Originally born into minor nobility, Philip was never considered to one day be king. The life journey of Philip VI, the first king of House Valois, is a truly fascinating story filled with unsuspecting inheritance.

The History of France: from Louis II to Louis XVIII: Understand a crucial part of the history of French monarchy, with this collection of portraits of some of the most spectacular rulers of France. This catalog lists the kings named Louis, from Louis II (877-879), a king whose wisdom was greater than his authority, to Louis XVIII who reigned during the Restauration of the French Monarchy after the fall of Emperor Napoleon. For each one of these Kings, you will find a detailed description of the style of his reign and his political achievements.

Londres, 1823: En accordant une danse au prince Illarion Kutejnikov, Dove pensait juste remplir son carnet de bal. Mais, captive de son étreinte, elle s'est perdue dans l'azur de ses yeux. Et, l'espace d'un instant aussi léger qu'un souffle, elle s'est vue répondre aux attentes du célèbre poète et fuguer avec lui. Comme si elle pouvait encore renoncer au mariage avec Strom Percivale, le bon parti qu'elle se doit d'épouser pour conserver ses privilèges.

Impératrice d'Autriche-Hongrie, la monarchie la plus autoritaire et la plus compassée qui fût en Europe, elle haïssait l'Etiquette et se disait démocrate; Bavaroise d'origine et autrichienne par son mariage avec François-Joseph, elle n'aimait que la Hongrie; censée animer la Cour et rehausser l'éclat de Vienne, elle vivait le plus souvent à la campagne ou dans de lointains séjours méditerranéens.

Mieux connue comme la fiancée d'Azincourt d'Henri V, de la pièce Henri V de Shakespeare, Catherine de Valois était une femme de foi, courage et conviction extraordinaire dans un âge de femmes puissantes politiquement. La plus jeune fille du roi Charles VI de France terrorisé par sa maladie mentale, Catherine de Valois survécut les ravages de sa schizophrénie, une guerre civile dans son pays, et la guerre d'Henri V contre la France pour devenir une des reines les plus courageuses et fascinantes de la Renaissance.