This work chronicles the life of Louis Philippe, a prominent figure during the tumultuous times of the French Revolution and the subsequent formation of the French monarchy. It explores his dramatic rise from exile to King of the French, detailing his lineage, experiences, and the complex political landscape of 18th and early 19th century France. The opening of the book sets the stage for the extraordinary journey of Louis Philippe, detailing the catastrophic events that befell his family during the French Revolution. Abbott describes Philippe's early life marked by poverty and exile, as well as his subsequent return to wealth and nobility following the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. As the narrative unfolds, it highlights Philippe's transformation from a symbol of royal lineage to a popular leader during a period of intense political change, ultimately leading to his ascension as king amid the shifting tides of revolution and insurrection. The author hints at the tragic end of any assurances of stability for Philippe, suggesting a tale filled with intrigue and political maneuvering.



John S. C. Abbott (1805–1877) was a prolific American historian, educator, and Congregational pastor. He is best remembered for his vividly accessible, morally grounded biographies, notably his highly sympathetic History of Napoleon Bonaparte, and for writing foundational 19th-century domestic and parenting guides.