This history explores the era of Louis XIV through the lens of architect Louis Le Vau. Born to humble craftsmen, the self-taught Le Vau contributed to iconic Paris buildings like the Louvre and Versailles. Amid court intrigues and the mercurial king’s demands, his ambition drove him to leave an indelible architectural mark. Le Vau’s story provides insight into the social and cultural forces shaping 17th century France.

This scholarly work is a detailed and illustrative study for fans of architectural history. It delves into Le Vau's personal life as well as the business of the court.

NetGalley, Andrea Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

When you first think of some of 17th century France, you might immediately think of King Louis XIV or Versailles or the Nine Years’ War—these are all important factors that made France one of the greatest powers in Europe, a force to be reckoned with, so to speak. But there is one person whose name might slip your mind who plays just as equally a huge part in why 17th century France is so remembered is that of Louis Le Vau, one of Louis XIV’s best architects and the man responsible for some of France’s greatest buildings.

As someone who eagerly devours anything related to Louis XIV or the construction of the great Palace of Versailles, I was baffled at the thought that most people probably do not know much about the talented men behind the creation of Versailles as well as many other buildings constructed during Louis XIV’s reign. In this book written by the gifted French historian Richard Ballard, we are offered a glimpse into the life and accomplishments of Louis Le Vau, born under the name Louis Le Veau but later changed to avoid the meaning of Veau which is calf—potentially saving himself ridicule down the line to be referred to as a child (essentially what a calf is, right?)

Richard Ballard explores Louis Le Vau’s greatest accomplishments including the Château de Vincennes, Château Vau-le-Vicomte, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital and most famously, the Palace of Versailles. Now, I don’t know too much about the intricacies of architecture but this novel allows readers who are both familiar and unfamiliar with architecture to enjoy learning about Louis Le Vac’s work on these historic buildings. We learn about how he became one of the most respected architects of his time and how his successors would try their best to go above and beyond what their predecessor was able to achieve for France.

I employ you all to give it a chance!

NetGalley, Emma Holbrook

A fascinating account of Louis Le Vau, who was a self taught, meticulous and extremely accommodating architect to Louis the XIV, The Sun King. Le Vau learnt his trade from his father, who was a master mason. Le Vau was educated and had an elegant hand in writing as shown by surviving contracts and designs , but there are no portraits and few personal letters to give us an insight of the Man himself.
At the young age of 25, Le Vau became an architect to the King, and was promoted to First Architect t in 1654.
His masterpiece is the College des Quatre Nations, built to honour Cardinal Mazarin, First Minister and trusted advisor to the King. Today, that building is part of the Sorbonne University, and survived the French Revolution, due to it allowing access to the lower classes twice a week, to promote education.
Today, Le Vau’s work can be seen at the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles especially. At Versailles , he is best known for the State apartments used by the King and Queen, and Le Vau’s Envelope, which is a white stone facade on the garden side of the original hunting lodge, which comprises of the addition of wings to the north and south side ,that covers the original building and provides an extension to increase the footprint, whilst not damaging the original fabric of the building. Le Vau also build the first orangery at Versailles and the Menagerie. He also constructed several mansions and chateau’s for private individuals.
I enjoyed this book as it gave me the perfect excuse to rewatch the BBC series Versailles, it does show a few aspects of the relevant work executed by Le Vau.
I was extremely grateful for the very comprehensive glossary of architectural terms!

NetGalley, Daphne Sharpe

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

it was fun reading and learning about Le Vau's projects, clients, and how he approached beauty. He really did capture Louis XIV's vision of opulence and absolution. This book tells so much more about Le Vau's genius and how it immortalized Louis XIV's Versailles.

NetGalley, Carol Guerrero

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

An interesting look at the first architect of Versailles as a royal palace and the creator of Vaux Le Vicomte and the world that created him.

NetGalley, Caroline Palmer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Detailed historical research based on a number of sources on my favourite period and place ie Louis 14th in the seventeenth century, and specifically his architect. This is a masterpiece of historical information and the author is to be congratulated on this achievement. Highly recommended.

NetGalley, Mary Hawkes