"Louis XIV et ses femmes"

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-05 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-01-16

Book Details

Historical work by Arsène Houssaye about Louis XIV's relationships with women, including his official mistresses.

Marie's References

1874

• January 16: Has been thinking about this book since yesterday. Plans to read it alongside "Les courtisanes du monde."

Content

• Chronicles of Louis XIV's romantic liaisons
• Profiles of famous mistresses like Madame de Montespan, Louise de La Vallière
• Court intrigue and sexual politics at Versailles
• The power dynamics between king and mistresses

Impact on Marie

• Feeds her romantic fantasies about aristocratic life
• Strange admission: "Je rougis au nom de Louis XIV" (I blush at the name of Louis XIV)
• Claims she would have adored him if living in his time
• Shows her fascination with power, glamour, and court life

Context

• Considered somewhat scandalous reading for a 15-year-old
• Part of Marie's self-education in worldliness
• Reflects her precocious interest in adult themes