Louis XIV of France ranks as one of the most remarkable monarchs in history. Dubbed the 'Sun King' during his own lifetime, his rule has since been hailed as the most supreme example of a type of government-- 'absolutism'. Yet despite his astonishing fame, many aspects of his life and rule remain a mystery. Through an extensive range of primary and secondary sources, students are encouraged to examine the questions in this book, and to assess the true nature of the 'age of Louis XIV'.