TALLEYRAND: A BIOGRAPHY

by J.F. Bernard

He directed France's foreign policy for almost four decades, with sheer will and extraordinary wiles, he won for France a more generous settlement than even its greatest patriots dare hope for and described a map of Europe that would keep peace on the Continent for 100 years.1973, 653 pages, 6 1/4 By 9 1/2"

Genres: Biography, France, History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Ian Raffaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read this biography of Talleyrand because while I knew of him I realized I knew nothing about him. If it is your wish to have a thorough accounting of Talleyrand's life then you will find this book more than adequate. Bernard gives us a very readable account of famed diplomat's amazing 84 year life. Like a bad penny, the title character always turns up no matter who is in charge in Paris. This is nothing short of miraculous. Talleyrand was able to hold government positions during the Revolution, Directory, the Napoleonic Empire, the Restoration, and the July Monarchy that replaced the Bourbons. Most would have been exiled or lost their head moving from own French government to the other. Talleyrand's gift was to always know which way the political winds were blowing in France and worked to make sure he was always on the winning side. To some, this would look like opportunism. Talleyrand would argue that he always backed France and that is why he always came out on top. History is full of colorful characters. Prince Talleyrand was a kaleidoscope in that regard. His diplomatic achievements at the Congress of Vienna and the independence of Belgium are the highlights of his career. His whit and bon mots are a window to his sharp mind. If you are interested in learning about one of the most interesting characters of the late 18th and early 19th century then you will be well served by this book.

[Michael Ransley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book about an amazing man. For someone to live through such challenging times and have such clarity of vision and sense of his and his nations place in the world is truely remarkable. Also, for those who think their parents don't take much interest in you should check out this guy!

[Kyth Palma · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great recount of the most controversial foreign minister in the history! The book gave an honest view on how cunning, grandiose, and a political animal was Talleyrand. Surviving the destitute childhood years to surviving all political turmoil and regimes. His tact and self-serving will made him a man questionable in honor and dignity. He knew he would be judged as a traitor in the history as Napoleon's heroic story made a great historical impact, but through his wits , till the end, he wanted to die in an image which he wanted to be and would be remembered as a man for France. However, the great honesty of the author showed the true marks of his cunning tactics to overpower the legacy of historic truth of his times. The truth was seen as clear as daytime. A man of such should be never be immortalized as a man whose legacy was never truly for France.

[John Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talleyrand is the Forrest Gump of his age. Centrestage at every important event. (An evil genius, Forrest Gump, that is.)