From

Lore & Background

The book was initially composed in 1679, but it was first published in 1709. Bossuet had died in 1704, and the book was published posthumously. The book is incomplete. Bossuet's role as a tutor ended in 1679 or 1680, but he continued as a counselor and writer for the court, and his resumption of the work in 1700 was not solely tied to tutoring duties. He died before completing the task.

Reader's Guide

The work is drawn almost entirely from the Bible (including the Deuterocanonical Books), especially the books of the Old Testament. The Bible used is the Vulgate, and English translations use the Douay-Rheims, causing discrepancies in numbering with contemporary Bibles. The book contains ten books covering principles of human society, authority, royal authority, duties of subjects, duties of royalty, justice, supports of royalty (arms, riches, counsel), and a conclusion on the true happiness of kings.

Did You Know?

• Bossuet was named tutor to Louis XIV's only son on 30 September 1670.
• The first six books were written in 1679, but the work was set aside unfinished.
• Bossuet resumed work on the Politique in 1700 and completed Books VII through X before his death in 1704.
• The work was published posthumously in 1709 based on Bossuet's manuscripts, with no widely-known evidence of completion by his nephew or insertion from St. Augustine's City of God.
• Political and theological disputes resulted in some changes before the book was finally published in 1709.