Bourbons

The Bourbon dynasty is one of Europe’s most enduring and influential royal families. This comprehensive history traces the Bourbons from their medieval origins to the twenty-first century, weaving together the lives of famous figures such as Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette with lesser-known princes, princesses and even illegitimate offspring. Stretching across France, Spain and Italy, the narrative highlights how a medieval king, Louis ix, inspired a dynastic identity that would shape European politics for centuries. Beyond individual biographies, Jonathan Spangler situates the dynasty within the broader political culture of early modern and modern Europe – from the War of the Spanish Succession to the French Revolution and the Italian Risorgimento – offering a richly textured account of power, family and legacy across generations.