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The Age of Louis XIV
- The Story of Civilization, Book 8
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 36 hrs and 28 mins
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Publisher's summary
The Age of Louis XIV is the biography of a period (1648 - 1715) that Spengler considered the apex of modern European civilization. "Some centuries hence," Frederick the Great correctly predicted to Voltaire, "they will translate the good authors of the age of Pericles and Augustus." Those authors are lovingly treated here: Pascal, Racine, and Boileau, Madame de Sévigné, Madame de la Fayette, and above all the philosopher-dramatist Molière, who so memorably exposed the vices and hypocrisies of the age.
Central to the audiobook is the "Sun King" himself, Louis XIV. Louis XIV ruled France for over seventy years, longer than almost any European ruler in history. He is the subject of a character study that runs through seven chapters, revealing the flesh and blood beneath the purple and the crown. He is seen at his worst in his struggle with Jansenists and Huguenots, at his best in his patronage of literature and art, and at his most human in his love affairs with Henrietta Anne of Orléans, Louise de La Vallière, Madame de Montespan, and Madame de Maintenon.
From France the narrative passes to the Netherlands, and after pausing to examine the domestic idylls of Vermeer, shows the Dutch opening their dikes to save their land from Louis XIV and sending William of Orange to become king of England and a leader of the European alliance against Louis' hegemony.
In England, we contemplate the heyday of virtue under the Puritans and study the strange character of Cromwell. We see Milton's passionate career as part of the vain effort to prevent the Stuart Restoration. We find Charles II, the "Merry Monarch", with more manners than morals, attend boisterous Restoration plays; we skim the diaries of Evelyn and Pepys; and we follow Jonathan Swift from genius to insanity.
Crossing the North Sea, we trace the tragic heroism of Charles XII of Sweden and the attempt of Peter the Great to lead Russia from barbarism to civilization.
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Ok
- By chris on 07-22-19
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The Story of Philosophy
- The Lives and Opinions of the Greater Philosophers
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 19 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
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Durant lucidly describes the philosophical systems of such world-famous “monarchs of the mind” as Plato, Aristotle, Francis Bacon, Spinoza, Kant, Voltaire, and Nietzsche. Along with their ideas, he offers their flesh-and-blood biographies, placing their thoughts within their own time and place and elucidating their influence on our modern intellectual heritage. This book is packed with wisdom and wit.
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Fantastic and insightful book
- By ESK on 01-25-13
By: Will Durant
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The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: John Little
- Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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Best-selling historian and philosopher Will Durant devoted his entire life to studying the most significant eras, individuals, and achievements of human history. Here is a summation of Durant's work, as he presents the best of world history. Filled with Durant's renowned wit, knowledge, and unique ability to explain events in simple and exciting terms, it is a concise liberal arts education.
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Puzzled
- By James on 04-06-04
By: Will Durant
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Love and Louis XIV
- The Women in the Life of the Sun King
- By: Antonia Fraser
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
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The self-proclaimed Sun King, Louis XIV, ruled over the most glorious and extravagant court in 17th-century Europe. Now, Antonia Fraser goes behind the well-known tales of Louis' accomplishments and follies, exploring in riveting detail his intimate relationships with women.
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Excellent!
- By Louise on 04-27-08
By: Antonia Fraser
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Heroes of History
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
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At Will Durant's death at 96, in 1981, his personal papers were dispersed among relatives, collectors, and archive houses. Twenty years later, scholar John Little discovered the previously unknown manuscript of Heroes of History in Durant's granddaughter's garage. Written shortly before he died, these 21 essays serve as an abbreviated version of Durant's best-selling, 11-volume series, The Story of Civilization.
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Nice overview
- By Richard on 11-10-04
By: Will Durant
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Our Oriental Heritage
- The Story of Civilization, Volume 1
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Robin Field
- Length: 50 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
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The first volume of Will Durant's Pulitzer Prize-winning series, Our Oriental Heritage: The Story of Civilization, Volume I chronicles the early history of Egypt, the Middle East, and Asia.
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Wonderful
- By Michael on 11-30-13
By: Will Durant
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Louis XIV
- The Power and the Glory
- By: Josephine Wilkinson
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 16 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
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This stylish and incisive narrative presents listeners with a fresh perspective on one of the most fascinating kings in European history. Louis XIV's story has all the ingredients of a Dumas classic: legendary beginnings, beguiling women, court intrigue, a mysterious prisoner in an iron mask, lavish court entertainments, the scandal of a mistress who was immersed in the dark arts, and a central character who is handsome and romantic, but with a frighteningly dark side to his character.
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Ok
- By chris on 07-22-19
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The Story of Philosophy
- The Lives and Opinions of the Greater Philosophers
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 19 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Durant lucidly describes the philosophical systems of such world-famous “monarchs of the mind” as Plato, Aristotle, Francis Bacon, Spinoza, Kant, Voltaire, and Nietzsche. Along with their ideas, he offers their flesh-and-blood biographies, placing their thoughts within their own time and place and elucidating their influence on our modern intellectual heritage. This book is packed with wisdom and wit.
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Fantastic and insightful book
- By ESK on 01-25-13
By: Will Durant
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The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: John Little
- Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
-
Story
Best-selling historian and philosopher Will Durant devoted his entire life to studying the most significant eras, individuals, and achievements of human history. Here is a summation of Durant's work, as he presents the best of world history. Filled with Durant's renowned wit, knowledge, and unique ability to explain events in simple and exciting terms, it is a concise liberal arts education.
-
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Puzzled
- By James on 04-06-04
By: Will Durant
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Love and Louis XIV
- The Women in the Life of the Sun King
- By: Antonia Fraser
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The self-proclaimed Sun King, Louis XIV, ruled over the most glorious and extravagant court in 17th-century Europe. Now, Antonia Fraser goes behind the well-known tales of Louis' accomplishments and follies, exploring in riveting detail his intimate relationships with women.
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Excellent!
- By Louise on 04-27-08
By: Antonia Fraser
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Heroes of History
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
At Will Durant's death at 96, in 1981, his personal papers were dispersed among relatives, collectors, and archive houses. Twenty years later, scholar John Little discovered the previously unknown manuscript of Heroes of History in Durant's granddaughter's garage. Written shortly before he died, these 21 essays serve as an abbreviated version of Durant's best-selling, 11-volume series, The Story of Civilization.
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Nice overview
- By Richard on 11-10-04
By: Will Durant
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Fallen Leaves
- Last Words on Life, Love, War & God
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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The final and most personal work from Pulitzer Prize - winning author and historian Will Durant - discovered 32 years after his death - is a message of insight for everyone who has sought meaning in life or the council of a wise friend in navigating life's journey. From 1968 to 1978, Will Durant made four public allusions to the existence of Fallen Leaves. One, in 1975, hinted at its contents: "a not very serious book that answers the questions of what I think about government, life, death, and God."
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Old Man’s Book
- By Michael on 12-19-15
By: Will Durant
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The Story of Philosophy
- The Lives and Opinions of the Greater Philosophers
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Graham Dunlop
- Length: 21 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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The Story of Philosophy is a captivating intellectual journey that explores the evolution of human thought and the enduring legacy of great thinkers throughout history. Written by the renowned author Will Durant, this monumental work provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of the world's philosophical traditions, from ancient Greece to the modern era.
By: Will Durant
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Louis XIV and the Zenith of the French Monarchy
- By: Arthur Hassall
- Narrated by: Charlton Griffin
- Length: 12 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
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Louis XIV, known as the Grand Monarch, or the Sun King, was a sovereign of the House of Bourbon who reigned as King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. His reign of 72 years is the longest recorded of any monarch in European history. In the age of absolutism, Louis XIV's France was the leader in the growing centralization of power.
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Where to start
- By Matthew M Barnes on 12-17-17
By: Arthur Hassall
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Kant to John Dewey
- The Story of Philosophy, Part 2
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Deaver Brown
- Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
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The best support, history, and analysis on the story of philosophy. Particularly appropriate for the non-academic who is better served by the audiobook with extensive references.
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seriously with the sleepy elevator music
- By Eric Olsen on 06-06-22
By: Will Durant
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The Story of Philosophy - Aristotle and Greek Science
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Mark Bowen
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
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"The Story of Philosophy: Aristotle and Greek Science" by Will Durant offers readers a comprehensive exploration of the life and philosophical contributions of Aristotle, one of history's most influential thinkers, and the broader context of Greek scientific thought.In this insightful work, Durant delves into Aristotle's upbringing, education, and philosophical journey, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of his intellectual development.
By: Will Durant
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The Story of Philosophy. Plato
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Mark Bowen
- Length: 2 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
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The Story of Philosophy: Plato by Will Durant is a captivating exploration of the life and philosophical ideas of the ancient Greek thinker, Plato. In this edition, Durant brings Plato's philosophy to life with vivid imagery that enhances the reader's understanding and engagement. Durant provides readers with a comprehensive overview of Plato's life, from his upbringing in ancient Athens to his establishment of the Academy, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world.
By: Will Durant
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The Lessons of History
- By: Will, Ariel Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
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The authors devoted five decades to the study of world history and philosophy, culminating in the masterful 11-volume Story of Civilization. In this compact summation of their work, Will and Ariel Durant share the vital and profound lessons of our collective past. Their perspective, gained after a lifetime of thinking and writing about the history of humankind, is an invaluable resource for us today.
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This is a must for every Educated Person
- By BradleyBurr on 10-29-07
By: Will, and others
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The Story of Civilization, Volume I: The Ancient World
- By: Phillip Campbell
- Narrated by: Kevin Gallagher
- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
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Children should not just hear about history, they should live it. In The Story of Civilization, the ancient stories that have shaped humanity come alive like never before. Author Phillip Campbell uses his historical expertise and story-telling ability together in tandem to present the content in a fresh and thrilling way.
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A brilliant panorama of the ancient world
- By Palisade on 03-20-19
By: Phillip Campbell
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The World Jones Made
- By: Philip K. Dick
- Narrated by: Christopher Lane
- Length: 6 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Floyd Jones has always been able to see exactly one year into his future, a gift and curse that began one year before he was even born. As a fortuneteller at a post-apocalyptic carnival, Jones is a powerful force, and may be able to free society from its paralyzing Relativism. If, that is, he can avoid the radioactively unstable government hit man on his tail.
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We can't destroy Jones
- By Darwin8u on 01-15-16
By: Philip K. Dick
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The Storm of Steel
- By: Ernst Jünger
- Narrated by: Charlton Griffin
- Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
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This classic war memoir, first published in 1920, is based on the author's extensive diaries describing hard combat experienced on the Western Front during World War I. It has been greatly admired by people as diverse as Bertolt Brecht and Andre Gide, and from every part of the political spectrum. Hypnotic, thrilling, and magnificent, The Storm of Steel is perhaps the most fascinating description of modern warfare ever written.
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Horror and randomness of war
- By 9S on 12-26-14
By: Ernst Jünger
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The Iliad
- Penguin Classics
- By: Homer, E. V. Rieu, D. C. H. Rieu, and others
- Narrated by: Steve John Shepherd
- Length: 17 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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One of the foremost achievements in Western literature, Homer's Iliad tells the story of the darkest episode in the Trojan War. At its centre is Achilles, the greatest warrior-champion of the Greeks, and his refusal to fight after being humiliated by his leader, Agamemnon. But when the Trojan Hector kills Achilles' close friend Patroclus, he storms back into battle to take revenge - although knowing this will ensure his own early death.
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Slow Start, Strong Finish
- By joshua on 08-09-23
By: Homer, and others
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The Great Mughals and Their India
- By: Dirk Collier
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 14 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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A definitive, comprehensive and engrossing chronicle of one of the greatest dynasties of the world—the Mughal—from its founder Babur to Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last of the clan the magnificent Mughal legacy is an inexhaustible source of inspiration to historians, writers, moviemakers, artists and ordinary mortals alike. Here is a fascinating and riveting saga that brings alive a spectacular bygone era—authentically and convincingly.
By: Dirk Collier
What listeners say about The Age of Louis XIV
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- smusson
- 04-26-22
Excellent job
I love these books. They are very detailed. I find that any Jeopardy question I could answer easily from listening to this series!
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- Mike Stacey
- 05-14-23
Again, incredible
Another immaculate work of story telling of the history of all. The reading is also excellent, as always
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- Raleigh
- 10-11-17
Most Inclusive History of the Period Yet
The Story of Civilization is a fascinating read. This book, in particular, shed extensive light on a period not necessarily clear to non-Europeans. And none of the histories I've read / listened to by far have had the courage the Durants have to create a digestible but inclusive series of history.
The Day-long duration is kind of intimidating and unappetizing, but when you started listening, it sinks in very fast and you soon realize you've gone through quite a number of hours just by listening to the book. However, the length also means quite a number of the stories told would inevitably be forgotten during the listen, so it's worth repeating the book several times.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Bryan
- 03-19-23
Great continuation to the series
This is by far my least favorite of the series thus far, not due to the quality of the writing but due to the era itself. I was expecting so much more but really the section on Louie the 14th was quite minimal for this installment to be named for him. A better title would have been, "The age of reason, part 2", for that part of the work is more than five stars, just as the proceeding installments were. I definitely recommend this to anybody interested in wanting to know more about the era or interested in this wonderful series.
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Overall
- mariejeanne
- 03-07-18
TRUE RESEARCH
The complex and thoroughness of each volume is amazing especially when published before age of computers. Kudos to Durants
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Overall
- Geoff
- 03-10-17
outstanding!
I have read three of the volumes in this series. this is a fine example of the writings of Durant.
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- Anonymous User
- 07-30-23
Another Wonderful Historical Anthology.
Another simply wonderful account of history. What I live about Durant's writing is that he covers all aspects of life during the times and then places events and personalities in perspective over time, contribution to their field of endeavor, and relative juxtaposition as compared to others in the field. I wish I had paid more attention in history class (or maybe so little time was given to the topic that the paucity of my understanding of European history is not surprising). I am a more learned person for getting through the several volumes completed so far. On to the next.
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- Anonymous User
- 05-19-24
All the great thinkers and inventions and events that coincided with Louis XIV’s reign.
I loved the exhaustive breadth and depth of this entire series. told with all the passion and conviction that Western Civilization deserves.
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- Marcus
- 09-12-20
Faith and Reason
The volume deals with the European civilization in XVII and early XVIII centuries. Beginning with France, the work examines Holland, England and the European’s landscape. Durant’s text pays great attention to the development of art, literature, science, philosophy and, above all, to the relationship between faith and reason. The progressive emancipation of reason and the development of the scientific method is the book’s leitmotiv. The story gives the reader a detailed picture of the Europe in the second half of sixteenth century.
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- Chris Bone
- 01-11-23
One of the best in the series
This series never ceases to amaze me in it’s scope and ability to illustrate such a vast sum of history. This has been one of my favorite amongst this amazing series. I am excited to read the next three books to conclude this wonderful series. I am running out of ways to praise how great this series is. It has sparked my love for history and diving into the classics of literature. Thank you to Will and Ariel Durant for all the hard work and research they have put into making this possible.
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