`The Sun King has always been over-exposed -- a habit he started himself. Here is the student's antidote to boredom. Campbell has produced the best short guide available and a vigorous synthesis of the latest research, complete with extensive bibliography, unfamiliar documents and vital glossary. Fresh material abounds and a misconception is demolished on every page. There is no sign here of reheating old recipes.' History Review

`The Sun King has always been over-exposed -- a habit he started himself. Here is the student's antidote to boredom. Campbell has produced the best short guide available and a vigorous synthesis of the latest research, complete with extensive bibliography, unfamiliar documents and vital glossary. Fresh material abounds and a misconception is demolished on every page. There is no sign here of reheating old recipes.' History Review