This is the first in a two-volume series that details the reign of King Louis XV, which lasted from 1714 to 1774. This volume begins with an overview of the state of France at the end of the reign of King Louis XIV, the general customs of the court at the time, continues through the history of the ministries of Bourbon and Fleury and concludes with an overview of Louis' mistress Madame de Pompadour and her political influence over the throne.