"The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 12" by Rossiter Johnson, Charles F. Horne, and John Rudd is a historical compilation written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses on significant events that shaped the world, particularly during the age of Louis XIV, highlighting the context and consequences of each incident through narratives drawn from various distinguished historians. The opening of this volume presents a rich outline of pivotal historical moments, starting with the reign of Louis XIV in France, who declared himself "the state." The text describes the absolute monarchy he established at just twenty-three years of age and how this power dynamic played out across Europe, impacting nations such as Holland and England amidst wars and social changes. Events such as the Great Plague in London and the establishment of New York by the English are also briefly introduced, setting the stage for deeper explorations of these important occurrences in subsequent chapters. The narrative aims to provide a cohesive understanding of these events through the lens of various historians, emphasizing the interconnectedness of history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)