Soldier; special agent; prisoner; escapee -- the further adventures of Lejeune In this second volume of Lejeune's memoirs he is despatched by Napoleon to Spain; to investigate and report on the state of French forces there and on the general progress of the war. While there; he finds himself running the gauntlet through a country where guerrilla bands and the entire populace seek his destruction. Eventually he is ambushed; captured and barely escapes execution before being shipped to England as a prisoner of war. A thrilling escape returns Lejeune to France in time to join Napoleon at Borodino and the disastrous retreat from Moscow. He returns once again to the army to take part in the fi nal battles that led to the defeat of France. This is a beautifully crafted memoir that deserves its place as one of the great literary works of the age of Napoleon.
#5738720 in Books Nonsuch Publishing 2005-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.70 x 1.10 x 4.90l; .87 #File Name: 1845880056240 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good InsightBy ChrisVery good for the unique insight on Napoleon; and a very interesting person. The writing doesn't really flow very well; but par for the period.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The View of Someone Who was ThereBy John MatlockThe life of Philippe de Segur was most amazing. First attracted to the cavalry during a parade in 1800; he joined the French Army. He was to serve (somewhat intermittantly) for the next forty-eight years. He served throughout the years of Napoleon. Mustered out after Waterloo; he was recalled in 1830 advancing to the rank of Lt. General until permanent retirement in 1848.During his life he published several books; of which these Memoirs present a personal insight into Napoleon's personality and character from the view of an insider. This volume of memoirs cover from 1800 to 1812. In it he begins as a private in the army and finishes as a general of a brigade on the march to Russia where 500;000 men started out and only 20;000 lived to return.While the broad outlines of Napoleon's life and battles are well known; here is an inside; intimate view from someone who was there.
