Memoirs of Barras, member of the Directorate. Edited, with a general introductions, prefaces, and appendices by George Duruy

Numéro d'article 10172858

This four-volume edition presents the full memoirs of Paul Barras, a central figure during the French Revolution and the Directory period: Volume I recounts Barras’s youth, early revolutionary involvement, and key roles in the fall of Robespierre and Thermidorian politics. Volume II follows his rise as a director, with focus on internal tensions, foreign policy, and the coup of 18 Fructidor (1797). Volume III covers the final years of the Directory, growing opposition to Napoleon, and culminates in the coup of 18 Brumaire (1799). IV details Barras’s marginalization under the Consulate and Empire, his later years, and reflections on France’s transformation. Duruy’s annotations and introductions contextualize the political narrative and provide insights into the source materials inherited from Rousselin de Saint-Albin, who long withheld their publication.

Seven heliogravure portraits (four as frontispieces), three facsimiles, two maps (one folding)