Versailles

by Christopher Hibbert

Illustrated with Color and BW photographs. Includes Chronology of French History, Family Tree of the Royal Houses of France, Guide to the Chateaux of France, and a Selected Bibliography.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Architecture, France, Photography, Travel, Art

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Christopher Hibbert, MC, FRSL, FRGS (5 March 1924 - 21 December 2008) was an English writer, historian and biographer. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the author of many books, including Disraeli, Edward VII, George IV, The Rise and Fall of the House of Medici, and Cavaliers and Roundheads.

Described by Professor Sir John Plumb as "a writer of the highest ability and in the New Statesman as "a pearl of biographers," he established himself as a leading popular historian/biographer whose works reflected meticulous scholarship.

Reviews

[Ernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

blessedly clear accounting of how V came to be and who ruled there. the story is simple: Louis XIV, XV, and XVI, but too many well-documented details can overwhelm. hence, the comfort of Hibbert's knowing and lucid prose supported by well-chosen photos and art. includes map, Bourbon family tree, chronology. bonus: the 1972 text is blissfully free of politically correct hypocrisies.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history of Versailles from first hunting lodge to museum. Marvelous ending of letters written by various historical figures that visited during the time of high court and after. Poor picture quality in this 1972 library edition. Excuse to go see it first hand?

[Sherrill Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

See Ernie and Audrey's reviews.

A 'coffee table' book. I understand that maintenance is ongoing - at least in 1972 when this book was written by Newsweek author, Mr. Hibbert. Few, if any, photos of the current Versailles, the first part, 'Versailles in History' could / should have been the whole book. I was more interested in what the current Versailles looked like, not the history of various kings and their mistresses and their illegitimate sons and poor excluded daughters, and grandchildren. A (to my mind) complete history of the gorgeous place and grounds. It WAS interesting how, because of the Revolution, there are no longer kings (or queens) in France. So many mini-revolutions since then!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great find at McKay Used Books in Manassas, VA. It was so interesting, entertaining, and even funny at times! I loved Mr. Hibbert's descriptions; he really brought the 17th and early 18th centuries to life. Highly recommended.

[Ck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise overview before a trip to Versailles.