Welcome to the most storied palace in the world, the glittering Château de Versailles. Recounting the most important historical, social, and cultural milestones of Versailles, beginning with the original proposal for a modest hunting lodge requested by Louis XIII in 1623, this volume encompasses the expansive property, from the palace and gardens to the Grand Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.

From the first great constructions under Louis XIV, to its reimagining by Louis-Philippe in 1837 as a museum dedicated to all the glories of France, Versailles has truly seen many momentous occasions, including diplomatic summits, scientific advancements, and renowned visitors over the centuries, from Mozart, Benjamin Franklin and Queen Victoria to Fred Astaire and the Kennedys, not to mention exhibitions of today’s great artists, beginning with Jeff Koons in 2008.

Lavishly illustrated with archival images and beautiful photography, Versailles: From Louis XIV to Jeff Koons features insightful texts by Catherine Pégard, president of the Château de Versailles, with the collaboration of Mathieu da Vinha, scientific director of the Château de Versailles Research Center, revealing all the stories that have unfolded within this glorious monument.

Signed by the author Catherine Pegard, this very exclusive version is presented in a velvet clamshell with a sculpted medallion of Louis XIV placed in the front of its case. 

In an effort to preserve the historical grandeur and  beauty of Versailles, Assouline will donate 25% of each special edition purchased to the Château de Versailles. An impressive and magnificent addition to any library, this book also comes with a complimentary signature Assouline tote as well as white gloves to keep it pristine.

Formerly editor in chief of Le Point newspaper, Catherine Pégard was appointed adviser to President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007. Since 2011 she has been president of the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles. Pégard was awarded Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2012.

With a doctorate from the Sorbonne, Mathieu da Vinha is the author of numerous articles and books and a regular participant in interviews and broadcasts on the subject of Versailles. Specializing in matters of the court of France and the daily functioning of the Palace of Versailles under the Ancien Régime, he has published Le Versailles de Louis XIV (2009); Versailles pour les Nuls, co-written with Raphaël Masson (2011); Versailles: Histoire, dictionnaire et anthologie (co-director, 2015); Au service du roi: Dans les coulisses de Versailles (2015); Dans la Garde-robe de Marie-Antoinette (2018); and Vivre à la cour de Versailles en 100 questions (2018).

Assouline’s Ultimate Collection is an homage to the art of luxury bookmaking. Hand-bound using traditional techniques, with color plates hand-tipped on art-quality paper, each page of this limited-edition series bears the unique imprint of the artisan. Treating a range of topics from jewelry and fashion, fine art and the ‘Impossible Collections,’ the Ultimate Collection curates culture from around the world and across the ages. Nestled in linen clamshell presentation cases, these books attract collectors, lovers of the printed page, and those who devour the culture of our time. Signaling a new level of sophistication for true connoisseurs, these unique books are works of art in their own right.

The Palace of Versailles and Assouline Partner for the Château’s First Blockbuster Book; By: Stephanie Sporn, Galerie Online (USA), November 2020

This New Book On Versailles Costs $4,900 — But Includes A Private Tour; By: Nicole Trilivas, Forbes Online (USA), November 2020

Versailles Is Part of the American Landscape; By: Guy Sorman, France Amerique Online (France), October 2020