19 - Women of Versailles- the Court of Louis XIV by Arthur-Leon Imbert de Saint-Amand

Dive into the captivating world of Versailles, where the brilliance of the Sun King, Louis XIV, casts long shadows over the lives of his courtiers. In this engaging and insightful book, Baron Arthur-Leon Imbert de Saint-Amand paints a vivid portrait of the women who navigated this intricate court, from the overlooked queen, Maria Theresa, to the commanding mistress, Madame de Montespan, and the pious yet powerful Madame de Maintenon. With a blend of humor and scholarly depth, the narrative reveals the delicate dance of affection and disdain that defined their relationships with the monarch. (Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)