Man who would be king: the life of Philippe d’Orleans, regent of France 1674-1723. Christine Pevitt. 1998.

Seductive, gifted, diligent and brave, Philippe d’Orleans had been from his earliest years a rebel at the court of Versailles, delighting in flouting convention and flaunting his vices. But when Louis XIV died in 1715 his five-year-old great grandson succeeded him a King Louis XV, and real owner passed to the new Regent - Philippe, duc d’Orleans.

Beset by conspiracies, plots and intrigues, he gallantly pursued his goal of peace and prosperity for all his fellow countrymen. Christine Pevitt brings to life the character of a man whose scandalous reputation has almost overwhelmed his many extraordinary qualities.