Few rulers of modern times have shaped their era like Louis XIV (1638-1715). This biography looks behind the mask of power, exploring the personality of the monarch and the innovative aspects of his reign. As a child, he was made king as the "Sun" of the Bourbon dynasty, laying the foundations of modern France through his wars. Internally, he established the foundations of modern state administration and became a model of European culture through the construction of the Palace of Versailles and his court ceremonies, which have often been emulated. To this day, the public persona of the Sun King casts a shadow over his legacy. This highly readable biography sheds new light on Louis in the context of current research.