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Memoirs of Louis XIV and His Court and of the Regency — Complete
by Louis de Rouvroy, duc de Saint-Simon
- Language
- EN
- Format
- EPUB
- Size
- 2.1 MB
Description
This work is a comprehensive set of autobiographical memoirs written in the form of detailed personal narratives and reflections. Compiled by Louis de Rouvroy, duc de Saint-Simon, it chronicles his experiences and observations from the early 18th century concerning the court of Louis XIV and the subsequent regency period. The text provides an insider’s perspective on court life, political manoeuvres, and notable historical events, with a focus on the personalities and intrigues within the royal household. Saint-Simon's accounts include descriptions of military service, courtly ceremonies, and the relationships among key figures of the period.
The memoirs are structured as a series of chronological sketches, combining personal anecdotes with broader political commentary. They serve as an extensive documentary source for understanding the social and political climate of early 18th-century France, especially the nature of royal authority and court culture during Louis XIV's long reign and the subsequent Regency. The work is considered a significant primary source for this period of history.
The memoirs are structured as a series of chronological sketches, combining personal anecdotes with broader political commentary. They serve as an extensive documentary source for understanding the social and political climate of early 18th-century France, especially the nature of royal authority and court culture during Louis XIV's long reign and the subsequent Regency. The work is considered a significant primary source for this period of history.
From the opening pages
Birth and Family.—Early Life.—Desire to join the Army.—Enter the Musketeers.—The Campaign Commences.—Camp of Gevries.—Siege of Namur. —Dreadful Weather.—Gentlemen Carrying Corn.—Sufferings during the Siege.—The Monks of Marlaigne.—Rival Couriers.—Naval Battle.— Playing with Fire-arms.—A Prediction Verified. The King’s Natural Children.—Proposed Marriage of the Duc de Chartres.— Influence of Dubois.—The Duke and the King.—An Apartment.—Announcement of the Marriage.—Anger of Madame.—Household of the Duchess.—Villars and Rochefort.—Friend of King’s Mistresses.—The Marriage Ceremony.— Toilette of the Duchess.—Son of Montbron.—Marriage of M. du Maine.— Duchess of Hanover.—Duc de Choiseul.—La Grande Mademoiselle. Death of My Father.—Anecdotes of Louis XIII.—The Cardinal de Richelieu.—The Duc de Bellegarde.—Madame de Hautefort.—My Father’s Enemy.—His Services and Reward.—A Duel against Law.—An Answer to a Libel.—M. de la Rochefoucauld.—My Father’s Gratitude to Louis XIII. Position of the Prince of Orange.—Strange Conduct of the King.—Surprise and Indignation.—Battle of Neerwinden.—My Return to Paris.—Death of La Vauguyon.—Symptoms of Madness.—Vauguyon at the Bastille.—Projects of Marriage.—M. de Beauvilliers.—A Negotiation for a Wife.—My Failure.— Visit to La Trappe. M. de Luxemhourg’s Claim of Precedence.—Origin of the Claim.—Duc de Piney.—Character of Harlay.—Progress of the Trial.—Luxembourg and Richelieu.—Double-dealing of Harlay.—The Duc de Gesvres.—Return to the Seat of War.—Divers Operations.—Origin of These Memoirs. Quarrels of the Princesses.—Mademoiselle Choin.—A Disgraceful Affair.— M. de Noyon.—Comic Scene at the Academie.—Anger and Forgiveness of M. de Noyon.—M. de Noailles in Disgrace.—How He Gets into Favour Again. —M. de Vendome in Command.—Character of M. de Luxembourg.—The Trial for Precedence Again.—An Insolent Lawyer.—Extraordinary Decree. Harlay and the Dutch.—Death of the Princess of Orange.—Count Koenigsmarck.—A New Proposal of Marriage.—My Marriage.—That of M. de Lauzun.—Its Result.—La Fontaine and Mignard.—Illness of the Marechal de Lorges.—Operations on the Rhine.—Village of Seckenheim.—An Episode of War.—Cowardice of M. du Maine.—Despair of the King, Who Takes a Knave in the Act.—Bon Mot of M. d’Elboeuf. The Abbe de Fenelon.—The Jansenists and St. Sulpice.—Alliance with Madame Guyon.—Preceptor of the Royal Children.—Acquaintance with Madame de Maintenon.—Appointment to Cambrai.—Disclosure
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