Antonia Fraser profiles the women in the life of Louis XIV [audio 5x15min]
This week's"Book of the Week" is Antonia Fraser's Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King, a look at the women in the life of the Sun King, read by Lia Williams and abridged by Robin Brooks. Part 1: The prospect of peace between Spain and France is greatly enhanced by this most splendid of marriages, to the Infanta Maria Theresa. Part 2: Henriette-Anne and Louise de la Valliere were Louis' first two mistresses -- and emerged from the queen's group of ladies in waiting. Part 3: A married woman, Athenais de Mortemart, becomes Louis' next conquest. Part 4: The pious Francoise d'Aubigne sees it as almost an act of religion to become the king's constant companion. Part 5: With the death of the queen, Louis has to decide if he will ever marry again.
Read entire article at BBC Radio 4 "Book of the Week"