Examines the reign of France's Louis XIV, considering the extent to which his regime was "absolutist," his aims and achievements, and social, religious, and foreign policy.
Examines the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, describes the culture and philosophy of the twelfth century, discusses the emergence of troubadour culture, and summarizes two literary works of the period.
In 1711, twelve-year-old C?cile Revel unexpectedly gets the chance to serve Louis XIV's sister-in-law at the palace of Versailles, but instead of a dream come true, life at court proves to be complicated and precarious.
Relates the story of how the Second Assistant Rotisserie Turner at the court of King Louis XIV of France becomes the First Assistant Bearer of the King's Dog.