Louis XIV and the Greatness of France by Maurice Ashley

For entirely of his foibles and eccentricities, King Louis fourteen of France stands in history as an important and in force(p) leader in seventeenth century France. His impact on the charge of French history is undeniable, and the story of his life and rise to power is riveting to study. One of the pivotal buy the farms on Louis 14 in the demise several decades is Louis XIV and the richness of France by Maurice Ashley. In this book review, Ashleys work will be discussed within the historical context of 17th century France in an effort to better understand Louis XIV and the typography of Ashley himself.Overview of the bailiwickMaurice Ashley, in writing Louis XIV and the Greatness of France created a work that is rich in historical details virtually the life and formula of the man who would vex to be known throughout history as The Sun King (Ashley, 1965), combined with literary techniques and contemporary viewpoints, which will be presented in subsequent portions of thi s review.The work takes a biographical format, beginning literally with the conception of Louis XIV and following the course of his life and monarchy to its conclusion, and ultimately, discussing how France rund onwards after the end of his life and reign. In retrospect, Ashleys book has come to be known as one of the pivotal modern belles-lettres about The Sun King as well as a highly regarded historical record.The Use of Descriptive Language in the WorkInterestingly, Ashley uses vivid descriptive language to bring Louis XIV to life for the lector by describing his physical, emotional and monarchical presence, written in the third person. In doing this, the lecturer is able to relate to Louis XIV as a theatrical role in the drama of French history, rather than just as a statistic or footnote to history. Because of this, one gains additional insight into the psyche of the king, and target better evaluate his decisions and rule.A perfect example of personal information about L ouis XIV comes in the form of a direct mention form deMotterville, one of Louis XIVs contemporaries, when he observes I a good deal noticed with astonishment that in his games and amusements, the king never laughed (Ashley, 1965, p. 11). The text is lavish of such quotes, which make the book more understandable and enjoyable.Central stand of the WorkIf a central theme were to be assigned to Ashleys book, it would be absolute power, or as historians would describe it, Absolutism, which is to say that Louis XIV sought to hold control of all of the government of France, which went against the parliamentary systems that otherwise nations were adopting during this time (Ashley, 1965). The author makes an excellent point when he implies that Louis XIVs rule, which ran contrary to the popular opinion of the world at that time, did not continue despite Frances greatness, but because of it. Not even an autocrat akin Louis XIV could destroy the French empire.Use of Contemporary Viewpoin tsAshley wisely utilize commentary from his contemporaries to add depth to Louis XIV and the Greatness of France. By including modern leaders such as Winston Churchill as part of the book, Ashley modishly brought hundreds of years of history into the modern arena of thought, again helping the reader to better understand Louis XIV in a present-day context.summaryIn closing, what should be noted about Maurice Ashleys Louis XIV and the Greatness of France is that the author wove literary technique and solid facts to create and informative and socialize work that has withstood decades of scrutiny to become one of the pivotal works about this formative period in the history of France.References(Ashley, 1965) (Ashley Maurice 1965 Louis XIV and the Greatness of France)Ashley, Maurice (1965). Louis XIV and the Greatness of France. New York Free Press.