Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 10

"Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 10" by Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne is a late 19th-century historical memoir giving readers a window into the life and times of Napoleon Bonaparte between 1807 and 1809. Told from the perspective of Napoleon's private secretary, Bourrienne, the narrative illuminates Napoleon's military exploits, diplomatic endeavors, and the difficulties of governing an expanding empire. Bourrienne's experiences in Hamburg highlight the tensions between military power and diplomatic rights, showcasing clashes between figures like Marshal Brune and Consul Lagau as they struggled to maintain stability amid increasing militarization. The memoir unveils the Treaty of Tilsit's impact on Prussia, as well as Napoleon's clever political maneuvering, which included establishing Westphalia and the Grand Duchy of Warsaw, forever altering the map of Europe. Bourrienne's detailed account sets the stage for understanding the tumultuous world he navigated under Napoleon's command.