A wide-ranging introduction to the history and legacy of one of Europe’s most influential royal families, past and present.

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 Louis IX forged 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.