The Bourbon Kings of France by Desmond Seward (PDF)

Description

’Licentious or bigoted, noble or ignoble,’ wrote Nancy Mitford, ‘there has seldom been a dull Bourbon.’ The story of the Bourbon kings encompasses the two most glorious and turbulent centuries in French history, yet surprisingly, this is still the only narrative account of the dynasty for the general reader. They emerge from a shadowy line of medieval princes in 1589 to rule France for over 200 years, dominating Europe, launching an endless series of wars, creators of the dazzling splendour of Versailles, survivors from the French Revolution.The Bourbons begin with the dashing figure of Henri IV, with his courage, gaiety and 64 mistresses. They include figures such as the Sun King Louis XIV and Louis XVI who ended under the guillotine, and close with the little-known ‘Henri V’ – expected to return and rule France in 1873 but whose refusal to abandon the Lily banner of the Bourbons for the Tricolore finally lost him the throne. The Bourbon Kings of France is an accessible yet thorough history, written for the general reader and of particular interest to anyone who enjoys history or wishes to learn more about the Bourbons. Praise for The Bourbon Kings of France:’A blending of wide historical knowledge and vigorous independent judgement to make a lively, exciting but dependable account for the general reader’ – Sunday Times‘Enormously entertaining … an excellent read … a cross between a package tour of the Bourbon dynasty and a Guide Michelin to the favourites, mistresses and ministers of the French monarchy’ – SpectatorParis-born Desmond Seward is a British popular historian who has written many books but is perhaps best known for The Hundred Years War, The Monks of War, The Wars of the Roses and Richard III. He lives in England’s West Country.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐This is a very good book, well written, informative and balanced. The author covers the giants of French monarchy with comprehensive scope. He discusses the larger than life personalities as well as the politics and history of the times. I learned something new about each famous king. However I especially enjoyed reading about the lessor known monarchs that I knew very little about.The one annoying thing about the book that was extremely frustrating to me was the fact that the author frequently used phrases and expressions in French and although I tried to decipher the language it was difficult and distracting since I don’t understand French.This arrogance does not detract from my overall appreciation for the book. I learned a great deal and that, for me, is the bottom line.

⭐The Bourbons were odd rather than interesting, but they lived in interesting times ( not always a good thing as Louis XVI might attest to). Mr. Seward makes good use of Bourbon peculiarities and exciting events to write a history of the Bourbons with all the boring stuff left out. For most readers the biographical sketches are long enough to get to know the subjects without ever being tedious. Moreover, although the author has an easy, breezy writing style, he is a knowedgeable and thoughtful biographer. He appreciates that the family has not enjoyed a good press and makes a good try at redressing the balance. Indeed, he probably tilts too far in their favor, but he is always reasonable. This is a fine introduction to one of history’s most important royal families.

⭐in my opinion this book has a number of problems for the reader. On the positive side the subject for me was extremely interesting and the book appeared to be well researched. My criticism had to do with the authors insistence on using numerous French phrases which were of little value even if they were translated. Also the names of the various characters were way too complicated and he often changed how these characters were referred to. I do not believe it was well written and it was a bit of a slog to work through the book. I’m not sure I would recommend it, surely there’s a better written book on this particular topic.

⭐The introduction says that this book is for a general audience; however, the way it uses names of people and names of movements makes it very difficult to follow if one is not already intimiately familiar with material. Often kings and other key characters are known by many names, their given names, their titles of nobility and short forms of both of those. The author switches freely between names which makes the book very hard to follow. The author also uses different names for political movements/philosophies in different places. It would have been helpful if each chapter had a chart of key characters, a one sentence descrioption, and ALL of the names by which they are known!Thie history is very interesting, but the author has made it so hard to follow his story that it became a tedious, unsatisfying read.

⭐The Bourbon Kings of France… what a book! I love this novel and the author did a perfect job describing the most influential monarchical line of modern history. I loved it and couldn’t put this book down. Highly recommend it!!

⭐Great book. Good overview of the Bourbon dynasty on France.

⭐I read all the books on history of Bourbon Kings

⭐I loved this book. It was beautifully written and researched and made me wish that the Bourbon kings were still reigning, so that there was more to read.

⭐I learned a lot about a period of French history about which I know little. A very helpful account of the successes and failures of this ancient family.

⭐A real page turner. Well researched and thoroughly informative. This details all of the Bourbon line of the Capet dynasty

⭐The book covers a tumultuous two centuries of French History. The same power driven conspiracies of that time are eerily similar to current events. The well researched writing was very easy to read.

⭐Written in a very readable style but successfully conveys the characters and significance of these kings. A good introduction to the subject.

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