"Originally built in the 16th century as a royal hunting lodge in the village of Versailles, about 15 miles outside of Paris, the Palace of Versailles became the center of power and a symbol of the absolute rule of the French monarchy after it caught the attention of Louis XIV, known as the "The Sun King, " a century later. He, along with his successors Louis XV and Louis XVI, would enlarge Versailles into the grand palace it is today. This beautifully illustrated volume contains a history of Versailles, its gardens, art and smaller residences, such as the Trianons."-Print ed.