Napoleon's British visitors and captives, 1801-1815

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

70408

Title

Napoleon's British visitors and captives, 1801-1815

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

John Goldworth Alger chronicles the experiences of British visitors and captives in France between 1801 and 1815. This historical account details the diplomatic missions, social observations, and harsh realities of imprisonment under Napoleon, offering a vivid glimpse into the turbulent era of the Napoleonic Wars.

Summary up to 500 words

John Goldworth Alger's *Napoleon's British Visitors and Captives, 1801–1815* offers a comprehensive examination of the diverse Englishmen who traveled to or were detained in France during the Napoleonic era. Alger categorizes these individuals into two distinct groups: visitors, ranging from diplomats and artists to merchants and fugitives, and captives held at strategic locations such as Verdun, Valenciennes, and Bitche. The narrative details the strict censorship imposed by Napoleon, including the total deprivation of English newspapers and the manipulation of intelligence available to prisoners. Alger highlights the specific hardships faced by captives, including extortion by French officers, psychological isolation, and the complex social dynamics within prisoner colonies. The text explores frequent escape attempts, the varying fates of those who succeeded or failed, and the shifting tides of war and peace. A significant portion is dedicated to the restoration of the Bourbons in 1814 and the Hundred Days, contrasting the reception of Louis XVIII with the lingering popularity of Napoleon among the populace and the military. Alger reconstructs a rich tapestry of personal stories, political intrigue, and diplomatic maneuvering, featuring figures like the Duke of Wellington and the eventual exile of many captives to St. Helena. Through letters, police bulletins, and eyewitness accounts, the book reveals the human cost of the era, from the suicide of a French officer accused of extortion to the enduring affection some locals held for their British prisoners, illustrating the intricate interplay of personal liberty, national duty, and political upheaval.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Politics