Memoirs to Illustrate the History of My Time, Volume 1

Memoirs to Illustrate the History of My Time, Volume 1

Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice. Printer errors have been changed, and they are indicated with a mouse-hover and listed at the end of this book. All other inconsistencies are as in the original. MY REASONS FOR PUBLISHING THESE MEMOIRS DURING MY LIFE.MY INTRODUCTION INTO SOCIETY.MY FIRST ACQUAINTANCE WITH M.DE CHTEAUBRIAND, M.SUARD, MADAMEDESTAEL, M.DEFONTANES, M.ROYER-COLLARD.PROPOSAL TO APPOINT ME AUDITOR IN THE IMPERIAL STATE COUNCIL.WHY THE APPOINTMENT DID NOT TAKE PLACE.I ENTER THE UNIVERSITY, AND BEGIN MY COURSE OF LECTURES ON MODERN HISTORY.LIBERAL AND ROYALIST PARTIES.CHARACTERS OF THE DIFFERENT OPPOSITIONS TOWARDS THE CLOSE OF THE EMPIRE.ATTEMPTED RESISTANCE OF THE LEGISLATIVE BODY.MM.LAIN, GALLOIS, MAINE-BIRAN, RAYNOUARD, AND FLAUGERGUES.I LEAVE PARIS FOR NISMES.STATE OF PARIS AND FRANCE IN MARCH, 1814.THE RESTORATION TAKES PLACE.I RETURN TO PARIS, AND AM APPOINTED SECRETARY-GENERAL TO THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR. I adopt a course different from that recently pursued by several of my contemporaries; I publish my memoirs while I am still here to answer for what I write. I am not prompted to this by the weariness of inaction, or by any desire to re-open a limited field for old conten[2]tions, in place of the grand arena at present closed. I have struggled much and ardently during my life; age and retirement, as far as my own feelings are concerned, have expanded their peaceful influence over the past. From a sky profoundly serene, I look back towards an horizon pregnant with many storms. I have deeply probed my own heart, and I cannot find there any feeling which envenoms my recollections. The absence of gall permits extreme candour. Personality alters or deteriorates truth. Being desirous to speak of my own life, and of the times in which I have lived, I prefer doing so on the brink, rather than from the depths of the tomb. This appears to me more dignified as regards myself, while, with reference to others, it will lead me to be more scrupulous in my words and opinions. If objections arise, which I can scarcely hope to escape, at least it shall not be said that I was unwilling to hear them, and that I have removed myself from the responsibility of what I have done. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 28169
Author: Guizot, François
Release Date: Feb 24, 2009
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Translator: Cole, John William, -1870