“Louis XIV and Absolutism: A Brief Study with Documents”, by William Beik

247 pages, Bedford, ISBN-13: 978-0312133092

Hey, look! ANOTHER academic history book! With Louis XIV and Absolutism: A Brief Study with Documents, William Beik, Professor of history at Emory University, has assembled a unique collection of documents – with commentary – that explores the meaning of absolute monarchy by examining how Louis XIV of France became one of Europe’s most influential and successful rulers. In Part I: Introduction – Louis XIV and French Absolutism, the professor lays out his central argument, which is that that absolutism existed in theory but not in practice, as Louis – like his predecessors before him – had to navigate the many different Parlements and governing structures which differed from region to region. While Beik notes that notional loyalty to the King, as an absolute ruler, was already established, he charts the efforts to overcome the practical obstacle to the King’s theoretical authority with an emphasis on Louis’ early reforms. In Part II: The Documents, a series of papers from the era, newly translated and selected for their readability for the modern student, examine each of the problems facing the Sun King and his Court: Confronting French Society During the Fronde; The King and Aristocrats at Court; Managing France; Reforming the Provinces: The Grand Jours D’Auvergne; Reforming the Provinces; Interaction with Burgundy; Social Unrest: The Revolts of 1675; Absolutism and the Churches; The King and His Image (one notable inclusion to this collection is Louis’ letter to his son on ruling, an insightful document if ever there was one made more poignant by the fact that this son would predecease his father). For someone seeking an academic understanding of the Ancien Régime I would recommend this book, while for the casual reader most of the original documents are easy enough to read and enjoy on their own merit.