France in the Grand Siècle: Power, Letters & Demographic (4-Volume Scholarly Set)

This 4-volume bundle offers a layered portrait of France during the 17th and early 18th centuries—from the intimate letters of the Princess Palatine to sweeping studies of Richelieu’s statecraft, Louis XIV’s reign, and the demographic realities of Ancien Régime society. It’s a compact yet powerful set for readers drawn to the human texture of monarchy, the machinery of absolutism, and the rhythms of everyday life under Bourbon rule.

Included in this set:
1.     Lettres de la Princesse Palatine 1672–1722
Mercure de France, Collection Le Temps Retrouvé, 1986, softcover, 523 pages
An extraordinary firsthand account of court life, politics, and personal reflection from Charlotte-Élisabeth of Bavaria, Duchess of Orléans.
2.     La France de Louis XIII et de Richelieu by Victor Tapié
Collection Champs, Flammarion, 1980, softcover, 458 pages
A rigorous study of early Bourbon centralization and Richelieu’s role in shaping modern French governance.
3.     La Population Française au XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles by Jacques Dupâquier
Que Sais-Je?, PUF, 1979, softcover, 127 pages
A concise demographic analysis of France’s evolving population structure, marriage patterns, and social dynamics.
4.     Le Siècle de Louis XIV by Hubert Méthivier
Que Sais-Je?, PUF, 1975, softcover, 126 pages
A thematic overview of Louis XIV’s reign, from absolutism to cultural grandeur, ideal for students and collectors alike.

Why this set matters:
This bundle captures the essence of France’s Grand Siècle through multiple lenses—personal, political, and statistical. The Princess Palatine’s letters offer rare emotional and observational depth, while Tapié and Méthivier provide structural and ideological context. Dupâquier’s demographic study grounds it all in the lived realities of the French people. Together, these volumes form a cohesive and compelling portrait of a nation in transformation.
Whether you're curating a scholarly library or simply drawn to the elegance and complexity of 17th-century France, this set delivers insight, texture, and timeless relevance.

Condition: Gently used vintage copies with light shelf wear. A few passages might be underlined in pencil in some books and can be erased if desired. The first page bears the name of the original owner—Elisabeth

One only— Curated from my personal library built during years of study at the Sorbonne., ready to ship from California.

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Books ship separately via USPS Media Mail. If purchased with other items, they will arrive in a separate package.