The Court Society

The book explores the intricate dynamics of life among the French nobility at the royal court during Louis XIV's reign. It reveals how courtiers became ensnared in a complex system of etiquette and ceremony, where their social standing dictated their expenses and lifestyle, often overriding personal wealth. This classic study sheds light on the interplay between rank and daily life in a lavish yet constraining environment, highlighting the challenges faced by both courtiers and the king himself.