PL
The classical perception of French absolutism, which so far has been identified with the system of powerful rule of the monarch with only theoretical limitations, should be subject to revision. A reinterpretation of the manner of exercising power is inevitable, especially having adopted the approach where absolutist theory is confronted with the practice of rule. Such a perspective reveals practical limitations of the monarch’s power, which obstruct a full performance of prerogatives arising from the theory of absolutist rule. !e interests of historians in the issues relating to the functioning of a state yielded a new approach to Louis’ XIV absolutism, while the vast body of pertinent works creates a situation where it is easy to lose one’s bearings in the maze of equivocal answers. Through a brief summary of the major themes in conducted studies, the article aims to demonstrate the complexity of the problem that French absolutism represents today