In this concise up-to-date analysis of Louis XIV and France in its great age of cultural achievement, David Sturdy penetrates beneath the well-known events, personalities and images of the reign to gain an understanding of the historical forces and realities with which Louis XIV and France had to contend. He presents a carefully organised and lucid account of the 'defining' aspects of the reign: the nature of French monarchy, the methods of government, Louis's relationship to his subjects and to the churches, the organisation of cultural life and France's relations with the rest of Europe.