Brother to the Sun King: Philippe, Duke of Orleans Paperback – March 1, 1989

Loved the way it is written, I know the author uses modern physchology to explain some concepts however it is non intrusive and is written not as an authority but a suggestion to contemplate I like the style and these insertions of contemplation. The story is fascinating all the more so that Philippe's lineage would be the reigning royalty today if the tradition had lasted...Philippe is a complex character who adds drama and colour to the court of Louis XIV imo the more fascinating of the two brothers and together they are a fabulous story.

As an LGBT historian I am always looking for information on those forgotten women and men who were openly dealing with their sexual orientation. One has to dig deep and I was delighted to actually find a biography on Philippe, Duke of Orleans. The book does give some insight into the life and times of Monsieur but I was really put off by the psychological profile of the prince as Ms. Barker appeared to deem homosexuality as a pathology. Even for a book published in 1989, the outdated Freudian analysis was cringe worthy. And, even though I know there is not a lot of information on the Chevalier de Lorraine, it was, homophobic for the writer to deem his relationship with the prince as being one that was sinister and degrading. All in all, I'll give it three stars for the background info and a book that should be in all serious LGBT historians' libraries as in preserving a too often ignored and deleted history.

I had read booksAbout Louis XIV and he would be mentioned. I watch the TV series Versailles on Ovation and loved it which peaked my interest. Great book, well written. Throughly enjoyed it.

Scholarly work! Excellent writing which provides great insight into the brother of Louis XIV. Professor Barker has done remarkable research on Philippe, which I have not found in any other written work. I commend her for her commitment, detail and commentary on the relationship, and also lack of, between Philippe and Louis. Thank you!

Learned a lot about Philippe and the house of Orleans. Watched Versailles on TV and became interested in Louie 14ths brother. He was smart and had conscious. Well worth the read

Duke Dr Orleans is a baller

This book was well written and a good read

Fascinating.

I really expected a history study on somewhat neglected brother of the Sun King, but however I got a book with 21st century interpretation of psychology of an 17th century noble, who in those times did not have our customs or habits of analyzing by Freud his life. Simply it was within his domain of understanding of the world as such as it was 300 years ago. I really don`t see why the author is so worry about how prince could feel or should feel, when it is up to study to give evidences of such worries if they existed, but they don`t as the author herself admitted. So, from that part it is pretty much frustrating reading. So I gave the 3 stars, because it is still valuable study of a prince from royal family of famous Louis XIV.

There are few books on Louis's brother so this older book is interesting but imbued with 1990 psychology on homosexuality which is now seen as wrong and so affects her interpretation of Phillippe's character.

After watching the drama on TV I wanted to learn more about the sun kings brother. This book is very hard to put down, it's total escapism. What a great book.

Excellent book with thoughtful insights.

I Liked the book very much as I enjoy reading about History'