As much as we love glory, a good prince is truly happy only when he enjoys the love of his subjects as much as their admiration. Louis XIV, the Sun King, is regarded as the epitome of the absolutist ruler. His military successes and his magnificent style of governance made him a model for all princes in Europe. In this work, Louis Bertrand not only portrays the ruler but also the man behind the image of the decadent, baroque monarch. From birth to death, the author traces all facets of Louis XIV's life and reign, particularly highlighting the understanding of power, culture, and science in the 17th century. This edition is a high-quality reprint of the original work from 1927. Louis Bertrand was a French writer, historian, and member of the Académie française.