Louise de la Vallière (Oxford World's Classics)

"Louise de la Valliere" - the middle portion of Dumas' epic novel "The Man in the Iron Mask" - focuses on the intrigues of the court of Louis XIV, but is not less enthralling than its companions. If you find it difficult to follow more than one major plot, this is not the novel for you. If you want only to follow the tale of D'Artagnan and his companions, this is not your novel either.

If, however, you are open to becoming involved with new characters and delve into their plots, you will not be disappointed. I have no great love for the character of de la Valliere and the pawn she allows herself to be, but the players that surround her hold up her personality inaddition to their own and make the plots rich.

"Louise de la Valliere" is not a fast paced action thriller, but does not bore either.

Just another cannot put down tour-de-force by Alexandre Dumas. It just boggles the imagination how that writer can keep up the pace now through the 4th 600-page sequel of the "Three Musketeers". Of course, Dumas was famous as a prolific writer and totally deservedly so.
Let me also add that, although I have the 2 first volumes - the actual "Three Musketeers" and the "Twenty years later" - in the original French, I had to settle for English translations of the "Vicomte de Bragelonne" and "Louise de la Valliere". But the Oxford editions are actually quite good and read extremely well.
If you are still a child at heart and love high adventure, do yourself a favor and go for the complete sequence - of which there is one more to come after "Louise".

This book diverts from the earlier ones since it concentrates on the intrigues of court, rather than the adventures of the four musketeers. However, it is probably necessary to set up for the thrilling conclusion. Since this is the middle book, it is a must read, but be prepared to be bored.

Louise de la Valliere is the middle part of the "Ten Years After" trilogy consisting of "The Comte De Bragalonne "(Raoul) the son of Athos the famous Musketeer; "Louise de la Vallerie" and "The Man in the Iron Mask". The novels were first published in Paris in the 1840s. The Oxford Classic Library edition of "Louise de la Valliere" uses the 1857 English translation. The story is long, episodic and complex. No wonder the editiors included a listing of the historical personages alluded to and participating in the trilogy. Over 40 pages of notes are included in the handsome Oxford Classics edition to enhance an understanding of the text. the book cover is a beautiful portrait of a lovely woman!
Highlights of the Plot: The novel opens in early summer 1661. We are at the court of the young Sun King Louis XIV. (1638-1715). While Louis builds up France's military forces plans are in place to remove finance minister Fouquet for the wily Corbert. D'Artangan is the commander of the King's musketeers. His old friend Pothos is a military engineer and the wealthy Athos has brought his son to court. Athos' son Raoul is in love with the lame, slight but lovely Louise de la Valliere. The King will himself make Louise his lover; Raoul will be disappointed in love. Raoul wlll also be sent on a diplomatic mission to Hampton Court in England where Charles II is the reigning monarch. Madame (Henrietta) is the sister of Charles II. She is unhappily married to Phillip the Duke of Orleans. He is the effeminate brother of Louis XIV. Madame has several courtiers include Guiche, King Louise and others. The Queen Mother Anne of Austria is adept at pulling romantic strings on behalf and often in defiance of the wishes of her son Louis. There is very little sword play in this sedate, talkative novel. The most exciting action is a duel between de Warde and Guice. There are no battles or violent deaths. Aramis has become the head of the Jesuits order; he is involved in ecclesiastical anti-papl politics.
Dumas demands attention and writes in an ornate style hard to digest for some 21st century eyes. Yet the creator of the Three Musketeers and countless other tales is well worth reading. Dumas (1802-1870)lived a high life of unceasing literary effort, countless affairs of the heart and eating with the taste of a gourmet. What a man and what fiction he produced for us to enjoy!

This is a witty book filled with my favorite characters, Madame(Minette, Charles II's, sister) King Louis XIV, Monsieur the King's brother, Buckingham, and many more historical characters.
In the beginning we have Louis in love with his brother's wife Minette. A glance, a touch, sends King Louis to heaven. She plays with him as she does with Guiche another admirer. She was a beautiful coquette. One who takes the court as her backdrop to pranks, stories, humor, delights, and imaginations to what-is-next! She leads this frivolous court to the spas, plays, and the pursuit of hedonistic pleasures.
In reading others research ( Antonis Fraser) on this court, Minette was in love with Louis and Guiche . Her first child by Monsieur was considered to be Louis or Guiche. Monsieur was a lover of men although he was very jealous of her affairs.
Louise Vallie're was a humble , poor girl dressed in muslin cloth. She was used as a decoy when the King wanted Madame. Minette thought that her plan to use her as a cloak would confuse the court. King Louis fell in love with the cloak, who never protested. She remained solidly secure in her position . When all the other ladies showed off their finery she just waived it off as it was not meant for her. The King see and hears her testimony of her true love for him while he was in hiding. She had no ambition to climb. She never sought him out . She was the pawn that Madame used to see him.
He realizes that this girl was really in love with the man not the King. The Cloak became his and he fell deeply in love with her. Louise never intended for this to happen. Historically she actually ran away from King Louis to enter a Nunnery. He rides fifty miles and finds her. She is with him for almost fifteen years. They have two children. This is a sad story about a woman who would have been married to an admirer instead the King forbade her marriage.Later he takes another mistress, and Louise de la Vallie"re goes in the nunnery for the rest of her life. Is is not wise to fall in love with a King.

Having read the 3 musketeers almost 60 years ago .I decided to continue the cycle after finishing the Count of Monto Cristo.I was pleasantly surprised @ how entertaining the Count was & so started by reading 20 Years After.I then followed that w/the Vicomte de Bragalone & now Louise de la Valliere.Dumas seems to almost misplace the musketeers when finally after 300 + pages D'Atagnan & Porthos appear & immediately the tone changes from melancholic & enervated to lively& engaging.The love intrigues eventually wear on one but the wealth of information on french culture,politics & literature is very rewarding..If there were a 3 1/2 review I would give it...

I liked that it was delivered as stated. Have yet to read it.

love the quality of the books. packing was great.

Great book!

Very good