Louis XVI - (Reputations) by John Hardman (Paperback)

About the Book

Louis XVI was at the center of the French Revolution, one of the major turning points in world history, but little is known about him. He is often portrayed only as the weak, lazy, and treasonous king dominated by Marie-Antoinette. This new investigation by John Hardman, a leading expert on the French Revolution, challenges this stereotype. Drawing on new evidence from Louis XVI's letters and from a large body of new research, Hardman provides the first detailed reconstruction of the king's political thought and sheds new light on the king's character and personality.

Book Synopsis

Louis XVI was at the center of the French Revolution, one of the major turning points in world history, but little is known about him. He is often portrayed only as the weak, lazy, and treasonous king dominated by Marie-Antoinette. This new investigation by John Hardman, a leading expert on the French Revolution, challenges this stereotype. Drawing on new evidence from Louis XVI's letters and from a large body of new research, Hardman provides the first detailed reconstruction of the king's political thought and sheds new light on the king's character and personality.

Review Quotes

"Unique insights into a king who argued that he sincerely loved the people, who bemoaned the lack of morality on the international scene, who preferred peace to war, and who read Thomas à Kempis in prison. This book presents a nuanced view of an honorable man who believed that "one can never govern a country against its inclinations...No one can rival his understanding of the various facets of the king's personality or of the sources." --History

"Thought provoking...this work is recommended for undergraduate and general readership." --CHOICE

About the Author

John Hardman is at University of Edinburgh.