Mémoires Du Duc De Saint-Simon: Siècle De Louis XIV, La Régence, Louis XV

A historical account likely written in the early 18th century. This work delves into the intricate social and political dynamics of the French court during the reign of Louis XIV and into the Regency period. It offers a detailed portrayal of court life, exposing the vanity, intrigue, and moral complexities of its characters, particularly focusing on the interactions of the nobility and their manipulations of power. The opening of the memoir sets the stage for Saint-Simon's reflections on the limitations imposed by the courtiers' lives filled with etiquette and competition for favor. He critiques the superficial nature of courtly interactions while capturing the essence of characters through vivid anecdotes. The groundwork laid early demonstrates Saint-Simon's acute observational skills and his intent to unveil the truth behind the façades of nobility, highlighting the tension between personal ambition and the rigid structures of power that defined the era.