The Prince of Europe: The Life of Charles Joseph de Ligne (1735-1814): Charles-Joseph Prince De Ligne 1735-1814 - Rilegato

Mansel, Philip

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 029782922X ISBN 13: 9780297829225

Casa editrice: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2003

Riassunto

The Habsburg courtier Charles-Joseph Prince de Ligne seduced and symbolized eighteenth-century Europe. Speaking French, the international language of the day, he travelled between Paris and St Petersburg, charming everyone he met. He stayed with Madame du Barry, dined with Frederick the Great and travelled to the Crimea with Catherine the Great. But Ligne was more than a frivolous charmer. He participated in and recorded some of the most important events and movements of his day: the Enlightenment; the struggle for mastery in Germany; the decline of the Ottoman Empire; the birth of German nationalism; and the wars to liberate Europe from Napoleon. He had surprisingly radical views, believing for example in property rights for women, legal rights for Jews and the redistribution of wealth. He was also a highly respected writer and his books on gardens, his letters from the Crimea and his epigrams are considered minor classics of French literature. Though sometimes neglected in Britain, Ligne has remained a popular historical figure in Europe and as the continent moves towards greater integration Mansel has produced a colouful and timely biography of this effortless European, a man for our time.

Su questo libro

L'autore:

Philip Mansel, who has lived and taught in Paris, is one of Britain's leading historians. His book CONSTANTINOPLE was described by William Dalrymple as 'An impeccably researched masterpiece of exquisite historical writing.' He currently lives in London.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
• Data di pubblicazione: 2003
• ISBN 10: 029782922X
• ISBN 13: 9780297829225
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 352