Talleyrand
From church establishment figure to revolutionary, supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte to promoter of the Bourbon Restoration, the twists and turns of Charles Maurice Prince de Talleyrand’s remarkable career through one of the most turbulent periods of French and European history continue to fascinate. Witty and wiley, cynical and charming, Talleyrand has been portrayed as a cynical opportunist, hypocrite, and traitor who betrayed governments whenever he had a chance to do so. Yet as the representative of France and advocate of peace at the Congress of Vienna, he has also been cast as the saviour of Europe.

Philip Dwyer offers a detached, more nuanced analysis of the role of Talleyrand in the corridors of power over five different French regimes. He presents Talleyrand as a pragmatist, a member of the French political elite, mediating between various political interests and ideological tendencies to produce a working compromise, rather than actively seeking the overthrow of governments. His ability to weather the tectonic shifts in French and European politics of the time, and to successfully attach himself to the prevalent political trend, ensured that his role as French statesman was long and productive.
1128344007
Talleyrand
From church establishment figure to revolutionary, supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte to promoter of the Bourbon Restoration, the twists and turns of Charles Maurice Prince de Talleyrand’s remarkable career through one of the most turbulent periods of French and European history continue to fascinate. Witty and wiley, cynical and charming, Talleyrand has been portrayed as a cynical opportunist, hypocrite, and traitor who betrayed governments whenever he had a chance to do so. Yet as the representative of France and advocate of peace at the Congress of Vienna, he has also been cast as the saviour of Europe.

Philip Dwyer offers a detached, more nuanced analysis of the role of Talleyrand in the corridors of power over five different French regimes. He presents Talleyrand as a pragmatist, a member of the French political elite, mediating between various political interests and ideological tendencies to produce a working compromise, rather than actively seeking the overthrow of governments. His ability to weather the tectonic shifts in French and European politics of the time, and to successfully attach himself to the prevalent political trend, ensured that his role as French statesman was long and productive.
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Talleyrand

Talleyrand

by Philip G. Dwyer
Talleyrand

Talleyrand

by Philip G. Dwyer

Paperback(New Edition)

$79.99 
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Overview

From church establishment figure to revolutionary, supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte to promoter of the Bourbon Restoration, the twists and turns of Charles Maurice Prince de Talleyrand’s remarkable career through one of the most turbulent periods of French and European history continue to fascinate. Witty and wiley, cynical and charming, Talleyrand has been portrayed as a cynical opportunist, hypocrite, and traitor who betrayed governments whenever he had a chance to do so. Yet as the representative of France and advocate of peace at the Congress of Vienna, he has also been cast as the saviour of Europe.

Philip Dwyer offers a detached, more nuanced analysis of the role of Talleyrand in the corridors of power over five different French regimes. He presents Talleyrand as a pragmatist, a member of the French political elite, mediating between various political interests and ideological tendencies to produce a working compromise, rather than actively seeking the overthrow of governments. His ability to weather the tectonic shifts in French and European politics of the time, and to successfully attach himself to the prevalent political trend, ensured that his role as French statesman was long and productive.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780582323841
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication date: 05/03/2002
Series: Profiles In Power
Edition description: New Edition
Pages: 246
Product dimensions: 5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Philip Dwyer specialises in the history of Napoleonic France and Europe: published titles include "Napoleon and Europe "(Longman) and "Modern Prussian History "(Longman). He teaches history at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales.

Table of Contents

Preface Foreign Ministers, 1787-1834 Introduction: Revealing the 'Imaginary' Talleyrand 1 Cultivating an Ambition, 1754-89 2 The Revolutionary, 1789-95 3 In the Corridors of Power, 1796-99 4 The Devoted Servant, 1800-7 5 The Courtier in Opposition, 1897-14 6 The Reconstruction of Europe, 1814-15 7 The Political Outsider, 1815-30 8 The London Embassy, 1830-34 Conclusion: Talleyrand: Cynical Opportunist or Agent of Change? Bibliographical Essay Chronology Maps Index
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