Baltimore and London: The Johns Hopkins University Press. First Edition, First Printing. Hardcover in Dust Jacket.

No Flaws or Blemishes but minimal shelf handling; Still Gift Quality.

Fine / Fine. Item #15449
ISBN: 9780801837913

Louis XIV's younger brother Philippe (1640-1701) is usually portrayed as a court buffoon, one who took delight in displaying his male lovers and suffering public humiliation. Making judicious, undogmatic, and expert use of some psychobiographical techniques, Barker offers a sympathetic portrait of this troubled, intelligent man, who was always compelled to submit to his older brother.

A good father, a sharp patron of the arts, and a shrewd businessman, Philippe helped to pave the way for the wealth, power, and popularity of his descendants.

Many of Barker's findings come from the recently opened private archives of the Orleans family.

Price: $39.95