Louis XIV (Lancaster Pamphlets)

J. H. Shennan surveys the reign of Louis XIV in three broad, interrelated sections which consider the character and outlook of the King, his domestic and foreign policy, and the personality cult of the Sun King. Shennan focuses particularly on the King's reactions to the problems of raising finance, religious issues, his creation of a state machine--giving more power to central government then any dynastic ruler had exercised before--and concludes with a lucid analysis of Louis' foreign policy.

Lancaster Pamphlets offer concise and up-to-date accounts of major historical topics, primarily for the help of students preparing for Advanced Level examinations, though they should also be of value to those pursuing introductory courses inuniversities and other institutions of higher education. They do not rely on prior textbook knowledge. Without being all-embracing, their aims are to bring some of the central themes or problems confronting students and teachers into sharper focus than the textbook writer can hope to do; to provide the reader with some of the results of recent research which the textbook may not embody; and to stimulate thought about the whole interpretation of the topic under discussion.