TY - BOOK AU - Goldsmith,Lewis TI - Memoirs of the Court of St. Cloud (Being secret letters from a gentleman at Paris to a nobleman in London) — Volume 1 AV - DC PY - 2004/// CY - Salt Lake City, UT PB - Project Gutenberg KW - Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821 KW - France -- Court and courtiers KW - France -- History -- Consulate and First Empire, 1799-1815 KW - France -- Kings and rulers -- Biography N1 - Release date is 2004-12-04; Produced by David Widger; Original publication data not identified N2 - "Memos of the Court of St. Cloud" by Lewis Goldsmith is a historical account likely written in the early 19th century. The work presents secret letters from a gentleman in Paris, detailing intricate aspects of Napoleon Bonaparte's court and the lives of influential figures around him. It offers a unique perspective on the political intrigues, relationships, and events of the time, particularly concerning Napoleon's governance and the dynamics within his circle. At the start of the memoir, the introductory letter sets the stage by addressing a nobleman in London, indicating that these letters were meant for private consumption rather than public dissemination. The writer, known as Stewarton, reflects on his role as an observer amidst extraordinary political maneuvers. He discusses the misperception that Napoleon acts entirely on his own accord and outlines his dependence on various advisers and courtiers, such as the Grand Marshal Duroc and Minister Talleyrand. With a focus on the nuances of court life, the opening lays the groundwork for a revealing exploration of the complexities and contradictions of power during Napoleon's rise, hinting at the anecdotes and political commentary to follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.) UR - https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3892 ER -