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Before Versailles
Before the History You Know...a Novel of Louis XIV
$20.99
Published: September 2012
SKU: 9781402275906
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Overview
"A grand yet intimate look at the Sun King, a tale rich with detail and action."—Library Journal (Starred Review, one of the best historical novels of the year)
Before Versailles transports you to a world of secret passions and plots, a world of duplicity and malice...a world that created one of the best–known monarchs to grace the French throne.
At the most decisive time in the young king's life, Louis XIV can taste the danger. His court teems with greed and corruption, the wrong woman draws him into a wrenching love affair, and a mysterious boy in an iron mask haunts the woods. The untried ruler is coming into his own in 1661, and Louis XIV must face what he is willing to sacrifice for honor and for love.
Meticulously researched and gorgeously brought to life by New York Times bestselling author Karleen Koen, Before Versailles offers up a sumptuous, authentic exploration of a time that forged a man into a king.
Praise for Before Versailles:
"In this magnificently written and researched novel, Karleen Koen brings to vibrant life the early years and loves of the future Sun King."—Jean M. Auel, author of The Clan of the Cave Bear and the Land of Painted Caves
"A baroque cornucopia spilling over with intrigue, passion, jealousy, ambition, and rich historical detail, Before Versailles offers a glittering glimpse of the crucial months that shaped Louis XIV into Europe's most powerful monarch."—Eleanor Herman, author of Sex with Kings
Product Details
- Paperback
- Case Count: 12
"A book for the lovers of French history. Love, lust, betrayal and intrigue. " — Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
" I have been a fan of Karleen Koen for many years since I read the first book Through a Glass Darkly and she did not disappoint me with this book. A historical fiction novel that will appeal to readers who love the genre. I thoroughly enjoyed it. " — Celtic Lady's Reviews
"I read this book on sunny afternoons during the summer with a tall glass of iced tea while I sat under the tree in the backyard. And once in a while, when the breeze blows I can almost imagine myself transported to Versailles as vividly described as it is in the book. The description of the characters and their setting is so colorful that I easily got lost in that world, immersed in the intrigues and machinations of court life. Just my kind of book for a summer escape!" — Found Not Lost
"This book is a veritable feast for anyone interested in 17th century France and its star, Louis XIV. " — Thoughts from Lady Tess
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