France: Journeys of the Sun King; Japan: Journeys on the Tokaido

The first of a pair of highly enjoyable and enlightening documentaries from the 13-episode The Greatest Journeys on Earth series, aimed at both armchair tourists and amateur historians, France: Journeys of the Sun King focuses on Louis XIV, king of France from 1643 until his death in 1715, while also providing historical context concerning the Sun King's construction of the magnificent Palace of Versailles as well as other grand architectural and engineering treasures. Louis' dismantling of a council-heavy Parisian court, his arrest of Minister of Finance Nicolas Fouquet for building a private chateau worthy of an emperor, his dominance among European powers, and his hunger for privacy with mistresses all were contributing factors in the king's decision to employ 35,000 workers and artisans to create the magnificent structures at Versailles. Along the way, we learn much about Louis' mother, Anne of Austria (the Catholic daughter of Spain's Philip III), who was accused of treason by Cardinal Richelieu, and Louis' bout with typhoid in young adulthood and his subsequent interest in adequate hospital care for the sick (especially disabled soldiers). A fine travelogue that tells viewers as much about the personality of an important historical figure as it does about the architecture, art, and gardens he left behind, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)The second title, Japan: Journeys on the Tokaido, highlights the land of the rising sun through beautiful cinematography, looking at the art, architecture, history, and traditions (ranging from the tea ceremony to calligraphy) of the Japanese people, while also exploring how symbolism, class, religion, and philosophy continue to play an important part of modern life. The Tokaido (literally, "the road from the sea to the east") referred to in the title is the ancient road--connecting Osaka and Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo)--dating back to the samurai era. Other titles in the series include: Quebec: Journeys of the Trappers, South Africa: Journeys of the Freedom Songs, and Venice: Journeys Through the Glass. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)