Get a free audiobook
-
The Age of Louis XIV
- The Story of Civilization, Book 8
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Series: The Story of Civilization, Book 8
- Length: 36 hrs and 28 mins
- Categories: History, Europe
People who bought this also bought...
-
The Age of Reason Begins
- A History of European Civilization in the Period of Shakespeare, Bacon, Montaigne, Rembrandt, Galileo, and Descartes: 1558 - 1648: The Story of Civilization, Book 7
- Written by: Will Durant, Ariel Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 34 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Age of Reason Begins brings together a fascinating network of stories in the discussion of the bumpy road toward the Enlightenment. This is the age of great monarchs and greater artists - on the one hand, Elizabeth I of England, Philip II of Spain, and Henry IV of France; on the other, Shakespeare, Cervantes, Montaigne, and Rembrandt. It also encompasses the heyday of Francis Bacon, Galileo, Giordano Bruno, and Descartes, the fathers of modern science and philosophy.
-
The Age of Voltaire
- A History of Civlization in Western Europe from 1715 to 1756, with Special Emphasis on the Conflict between Religion and Philosophy
- Written by: Will Durant, Ariel Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 42 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Age of Voltaire, the ninth volume of The Story of Civilization, is an in-depth examination of France and England in the first half of the 18th century.
-
Rousseau and Revolution
- The Story of Civilization, Book 10
- Written by: Will Durant, Ariel Durant
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 57 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rousseau and Revolution, the 10th volume of the Story of Civilization, ranges over a Europe in ferment, but centers on the passionate rebel-philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the great exponent of the romantic impulse toward self-exploration and social revolt, who contended with the great rationalist Voltaire for the mind of Europe.
-
The Reformation
- A History of European Civilization from Wycliffe to Calvin, 1300 - 1564 (The Story of Civilization, Book 6)
- Written by: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 50 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An engrossing volume on the European Reformation by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Will Durant. The sixth volume of Durant's acclaimed Story of Civilization, The Reformationchronicles the history of European civilization from 1300 to 1564.
-
The Age of Napoleon
- A History of European Civilization from 1789 to 1815: The Story of Civilization, Book 11
- Written by: Will Durant, Ariel Durant
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 43 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Age of Napoleon, the 11th and final volume of the Story of Civilization, surveys the amazing chain of events that wrenched Europe out of the Enlightenment and into the age of democracy. In this masterful work, listeners will encounter the French Revolution from the storming of the Bastille to the guillotining of the king; and the revolution's leaders - Danton, Desmoulins, Robespierre, and Saint-Just - all cut down by the reign of terror they inaugurated.
-
-
Fantastic series
- By thorfinn on 2020-05-02
-
The Renaissance
- A History of Civilization in Italy from 1304 - 1576 AD, The Story of Civilization, Volume 5
- Written by: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 37 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this masterful work, listeners will encounter: the poets Petrarch and Boccaccio, the fathers of the Renaissance; the paintings, sculptures, and architecture of Milan, Florence, and Venice; the life and accomplishments of Leonardo DaVinci; the Catholic church and the popes of Avignon and Rome; the politicians and philosophers of Italy, including the Borgia family, Julius II, and Machiavelli; the Italian Wars, the conflicts with France, and the country's decline.
-
The Age of Reason Begins
- A History of European Civilization in the Period of Shakespeare, Bacon, Montaigne, Rembrandt, Galileo, and Descartes: 1558 - 1648: The Story of Civilization, Book 7
- Written by: Will Durant, Ariel Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 34 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Age of Reason Begins brings together a fascinating network of stories in the discussion of the bumpy road toward the Enlightenment. This is the age of great monarchs and greater artists - on the one hand, Elizabeth I of England, Philip II of Spain, and Henry IV of France; on the other, Shakespeare, Cervantes, Montaigne, and Rembrandt. It also encompasses the heyday of Francis Bacon, Galileo, Giordano Bruno, and Descartes, the fathers of modern science and philosophy.
-
The Age of Voltaire
- A History of Civlization in Western Europe from 1715 to 1756, with Special Emphasis on the Conflict between Religion and Philosophy
- Written by: Will Durant, Ariel Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 42 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Age of Voltaire, the ninth volume of The Story of Civilization, is an in-depth examination of France and England in the first half of the 18th century.
-
Rousseau and Revolution
- The Story of Civilization, Book 10
- Written by: Will Durant, Ariel Durant
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 57 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rousseau and Revolution, the 10th volume of the Story of Civilization, ranges over a Europe in ferment, but centers on the passionate rebel-philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the great exponent of the romantic impulse toward self-exploration and social revolt, who contended with the great rationalist Voltaire for the mind of Europe.
-
The Reformation
- A History of European Civilization from Wycliffe to Calvin, 1300 - 1564 (The Story of Civilization, Book 6)
- Written by: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 50 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An engrossing volume on the European Reformation by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Will Durant. The sixth volume of Durant's acclaimed Story of Civilization, The Reformationchronicles the history of European civilization from 1300 to 1564.
-
The Age of Napoleon
- A History of European Civilization from 1789 to 1815: The Story of Civilization, Book 11
- Written by: Will Durant, Ariel Durant
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 43 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Age of Napoleon, the 11th and final volume of the Story of Civilization, surveys the amazing chain of events that wrenched Europe out of the Enlightenment and into the age of democracy. In this masterful work, listeners will encounter the French Revolution from the storming of the Bastille to the guillotining of the king; and the revolution's leaders - Danton, Desmoulins, Robespierre, and Saint-Just - all cut down by the reign of terror they inaugurated.
-
-
Fantastic series
- By thorfinn on 2020-05-02
-
The Renaissance
- A History of Civilization in Italy from 1304 - 1576 AD, The Story of Civilization, Volume 5
- Written by: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 37 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this masterful work, listeners will encounter: the poets Petrarch and Boccaccio, the fathers of the Renaissance; the paintings, sculptures, and architecture of Milan, Florence, and Venice; the life and accomplishments of Leonardo DaVinci; the Catholic church and the popes of Avignon and Rome; the politicians and philosophers of Italy, including the Borgia family, Julius II, and Machiavelli; the Italian Wars, the conflicts with France, and the country's decline.
-
The Age of Faith, Volume 4
- Written by: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 61 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The fourth volume in Will Durant's Pulitzer Prize-winning series, The Age of Faith surveys the medieval achievements and modern significance of Christian, Islamic, and Judaic life and culture. Like the other volumes in the Story of Civilization series, this is a self-contained work, which at the same time fits into a comprehensive history of mankind. It includes the dramatic stories of St. Augustine, Hypatia, Justinian, Mohammed, Harun al-Rashid, Charlemagne, William the Conqueror, and many more.
-
-
Epic Voyage Through the Middle Ages
- By Amazon Customer on 2018-12-04
-
The Life of Greece
- The Story of Civilization, Volume 2
- Written by: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 32 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here Durant tells the whole story of Greece from the days of Crete's vast Aegean empire to the final extirpation of the last remnants of Greek liberty, crushed under the heel of an implacably forward-marching Rome. The dry minutiae of battles and sieges, of tortuous statecraft of tyrant and king, get minor emphasis in what is preeminently a vivid recreation of Greek culture, brought to the listener through the medium of supple, vigorous prose.
-
Caesar and Christ
- The Story of Civilization, Volume 3
- Written by: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 36 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The third volume of Will Durant's Pulitzer Prize-winning series, Caesar and Christ chronicles the history of Roman civilization and of Christianity from their beginnings to A.D. 325.
-
-
Review
- By DOUGLAS A. PHELPS on 2019-01-12
-
Our Oriental Heritage
- The Story of Civilization, Volume 1
- Written by: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Robin Field
- Length: 50 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Starts slow but picks up steam
- By Greg Deleersnyder on 2018-09-14
-
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
- Written by: Edward Gibbon
- Narrated by: Charlton Griffin
- Length: 126 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here in a single volume is the entire, unabridged recording of Gibbon's masterpiece. Beginning in the second century A.D. at the apex of the Pax Romana, Gibbon traces the arc of decline and complete destruction through the centuries across Europe and the Mediterranean. It is a thrilling and cautionary tale of splendor and ruin, of faith and hubris, and of civilization and barbarism. Follow along as Christianity overcomes paganism... before itself coming under intense pressure from Islam.
-
-
It almost killed me!
- By Travis Johnston on 2020-01-03
-
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich
- A History of Nazi Germany
- Written by: William L. Shirer
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 57 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since its publication in 1960, William L. Shirer’s monumental study of Hitler’s German empire has been widely acclaimed as the definitive record of the 20th century’s blackest hours. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich offers an unparalleled and thrillingly told examination of how Adolf Hitler nearly succeeded in conquering the world. With millions of copies in print around the globe, it has attained the status of a vital and enduring classic.
-
-
Exactly what I was looking for.
- By Emma Cloutier on 2019-05-01
-
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
- Written by: Jack Weatherford
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Jack Weatherford
- Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in 25 years than the Romans did in 400. In nearly every country the Mongols conquered, they brought an unprecedented rise in cultural communication, expanded trade, and a blossoming of civilization.
-
-
Terrible start.
- By William H. on 2019-11-02
-
The Persian Empire
- Written by: John W. Lee, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: John W. Lee
- Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Over the span of 24 fascinating lectures, you'll take on the role of a history detective to discover the truth about the Persian Empire. You'll discover the key to the empire's success lay in its greatest rulers, each of whom played a critical role in shaping and strengthening a civilization we still remember today. Take this opportunity to complete your understanding of the ancient world and discover the humanity of the ancient Persians.
-
-
Ahhh those Persians!
- By Shervin V. on 2018-05-27
-
The History of the Medieval World
- From the Conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade
- Written by: Susan Wise Bauer
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 22 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the schism between Rome and Constantinople to the rise of the T'ang Dynasty, from the birth of Muhammad to the crowning of Charlemagne, this erudite book tells the fascinating, often violent story of kings, generals, and the peoples they ruled.
-
-
so disappointing
- By ELIZABETH L ROSS on 2019-06-05
-
The History of the Renaissance World
- From the Rediscovery of Aristotle to the Conquest of Constantinople
- Written by: Susan Wise Bauer
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 21 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Beginning in the heady days just after the First Crusade, this volume - the third in the series that began with The History of the Ancient World and The History of the Medieval World - chronicles the contradictions of a world in transition. Impressively researched and brilliantly told, The History of the Renaissance World offers not just the names, dates, and facts but the memorable characters who illuminate the years between 1100 and 1453 - years that marked a sea change in mankind's perception of the world.
-
Napoleon the Great
- Written by: Andrew Roberts
- Narrated by: Stephen Thorne
- Length: 37 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Napoleon Bonaparte lived one of the most extraordinary of all human lives. In the space of just 20 years, from October 1795, when as a young artillery captain he cleared the streets of Paris of insurrectionists, to his final defeat at the (horribly mismanaged) battle of Waterloo in June 1815, Napoleon transformed France and Europe. After seizing power in a coup d'état, he ended the corruption and incompetence into which the revolution had descended.
-
-
Bad pronunciations
- By Amazon User on 2018-06-23
-
The High Middle Ages
- Written by: Philip Daileader, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Philip Daileader
- Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the dawn of the last millennium in the year 1000, Europe was one of the world's more stagnant regions-an economically undeveloped, intellectually derivative, and geopolitically passive backwater, with illiteracy, starvation, and disease the norm for almost everyone. Yet only three centuries later, all of this had changed.
-
-
Great lecture
- By Shelley Barva on 2020-02-18
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.
More from the same
What listeners say about The Age of Louis XIV
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Michael
- 2015-07-15
One of the Best of a Great Series
This is the 8th book of the 11 book excellent, integrated history, Story of Civilization series. For my review of the series as a whole see my review of “Our Oriental Heritage”.
This is one of the most enjoyable and interesting books of the series. It blends art and philosophy, war and commerce, politics and finance into an enlightening whole. The author gives well balanced portrayals of many of the pivotal figures of the time. The long section on Leibniz was particularly fascinating as Leibniz is often overlooked.
This book starts and ends with the long life of Louis XIV (1643-1715), and he plays a large part in the narrative, but the action is all replayed several times viewed from France, England, Russia, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. This repetition of events from different points of view is one of the great things about this book and this series.
The narration is superb, projecting the material with clarity and nuance, including well representing the author’s subtle and wry humor.
This is not quite my favorite book of this series, but it is one of the best.
23 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Raleigh
- 2017-10-11
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.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- DeMar Southard
- 2017-10-10
Great history books!
Loved every minute. Narrator is great. The Durante are masters of the English language. Someday I'll have these in my physical library to re-read.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Marcus
- 2020-09-12
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.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Joseph Cousins
- 2019-11-12
Exceptional broad summary
Exceptional summary of the evolution of European civilization during the reign of Louis XIV. It covers the political situation ( of kings, parlaments, wars), art (painting, theater, literature, some music), science and mathematics, religion and philosophy, culture, war, technology. I plan to read the entire series of the Story of Civilization.
-
Overall
- mariejeanne
- 2018-03-07
TRUE RESEARCH
The complex and thoroughness of each volume is amazing especially when published before age of computers. Kudos to Durants
-
Overall
- Geoff
- 2017-03-10
outstanding!
I have read three of the volumes in this series. this is a fine example of the writings of Durant.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Eric Lymon
- 2016-06-29
Purported history with no support to back it up
What disappointed you about The Age of Louis XIV?
The author makes numerous unsupported judgements about the character and personality of various historical figures. This is not history. This is dogma without citing or reciting primary source material to illustrate his point of view. A reader can find credible history elsewhere.
4 people found this helpful