Free Lafayette Ebooks To Download
Acclaim for Lafayette""I found Mr. Unger's book exceptionally well done. It's an admirable account of the marquis's two revolutions-one might even say his two lives-the French and the American. It also captures the private Lafayette and his remarkable wife, Adrienne, in often moving detail."" -Thomas Fleming, author, Liberty!: The American Revolution""Harlow Unger's Lafayette is a remarkable and dramatic account of a life as fully lived as it is possible to imagine, that of Gilbert de Motier, marquis de Lafayette. To American readers Unger's biography will provide a stark reminder of just how near run a thing was our War of Independence and the degree to which our forefathers' victory hinged on the help of our French allies, marshalled for George Washington by his 'adopted' son, Lafayette. But even more absorbing and much less well known to the general reader will be Unger's account of Lafayette's idealistic but naive efforts to plant the fruits of the American democracy he so admired in the unreceptive soil of his homeland. His inspired oratory produced not the constitutional democracy he sought but the bloody Jacobin excesses of the French Revolution.""-Larry Collins, coauthor, Is Paris Burning? and O Jerusalem!""A lively and entertaining portrait of one of the most important supporting actors in the two revolutions that transformed the modern world.""-Susan Dunn, author, Sister Revolutions: French Lightning, American Light""Harlow Unger has cornered the market on muses to emerge as America's most readable historian. His new biography of the marquis de Lafayette combines a thoroughgoing account of the age of revolution, a probing psychological study of a complex man, and a literary style that goes down like cream. A worthy successor to his splendid biography of Noah Webster.""-Florence King, Contributing Editor, National Review""Enlightening! The picture of Lafayette's life is a window to eighteenth- and nineteenth-century history.""-Michel Aubert La Fayette
Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (November 1, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0471468851
ISBN-13: 978-0471468851
Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.3 x 9.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (93 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #204,417 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #164 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Historical > Europe > France #210 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Historical > United States > American Revolution #409 in Books > History > Europe > France
Harlow Unger's book covers a biography that is stranger than fiction, starting with LaFayette's unique marriage and continuing with his fanatical dedication to the remote American struggle for freedom; his close relationships with Washington, Franklin, Jefferson and other world leaders; his exceptional military leadership; his continuing voluntary work for independence in his own country (including 13 months in a horrific prison) all the way until he died at the age of 77. Throughout the story, the mutual, unabated love between the Marquis and his very capable wife, Adrienne, provided even more dramatic episodes. Nearly every event was more amazing the the one before.This is a detailed and eye-opening history of both the American and French revolutions and their great contrast. If the reader has trouble believing it is truly factual, he will be convinced with the frequent, verbatim letters and voluminous, documented historical references. This is absolutely a must read for anyone with an ounce of interest in western civilization.
This book swept me away with its twists of adventure, romance, and military scenes. It is definitely the best biography I've read on Lafayette with its thorough detail and gripping narrative. Lafayette's story combines French and American history, and captures the moving love story of his marriage. It has been a long time since a book transported me like this one did.
This book is wonderful! It is very readable, fast-paced, and, unlike other 'dry' books about long dead historical figures, it keeps the reader turning pages, wondering "why didn't I learn about this great man - this Founding Father - in high school history class?" Well, in this time of cynicism where we all decry the lack of bona fide heros (outside of sports and entertainment), here he is - the Marquis de Lafayette! This book not only clearly outlines Lafayette's life and unbelieveable accomplishments, but also his ideals. He was a man who believed in liberty, equality, honesty, friendship, and honor. Without his brilliant military and political leadership, the 13 colonies would not have won independence from Great Britain. Without Lafayette - and France - the United States would not be, certainly not as we are today. The book also continues to describe Lafayette's impact on Europe, and his role in formenting republican revolution in France and elsewhere on the European continent. But always, he is true to his undying and immutable convictions about the rights of man. Even when threatened with horrid imprisonment and death, Lafayette did not waver in his ideals. He risked his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor for those rights. What a great man - a hero for the ages! A must read.....
This is an excellent book!!!!! It reads like a novel and provides a wealth of knowledge about this great man. I'm only 13 years old, and I've read this book twice! If I could give it 6 stars, I would. I'd give it 10 stars!! Anyway, I definitely reccomend this book to anyone who wants to know about the Marquis de Lafayette.
This book provides an illuminating window to both the American Revolution and the French Revolution. Lafayette and his indispensable role as "midwife of liberty" are portrayed in a most compelling manner. The author deserves high praise for this work. The only quibbles are some factual errors on other characters. Contrary to the author's claim, it was not Patrick Henry that went to Monticello to warn Jefferson of the coming of the British, rather it was Jack Jouett. Also, the author lobs some erroneous criticism at Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson and Virginians as a whole suggesting they were unwilling to actually bear arms to fight during the Revolutionary War. This is simply wrong. Patrick Henry did actually bear arms for a time until others persuaded him that he was more valuable in the political realm than in military service. Thomas Jefferson, likewise, was actively involved in the political realm and such criticism against him is unfair. As to Virginians as a whole, this criticism fails as well; as the author himself recognized: the main force Lafayette commanded was composed of Virginians. Notwithstanding these points, this book should be read by all. The appreciation for the sacrifices required to give birth to American liberty is immeasurably enhanced by this work. Not only is Lafayette better understood to be a truly unalloyed great man, not just a great soldier, but his wife, Adrienne, is a heroic figure in her own right. If there is another woman like Adrienne walking the planet today, I would love to meet her. This book is a treasure of insights into a fascinating cast of characters and events.
Unger's Lafayette is a brilliantly written biography. It is of Pulitzer caliber, and the most informative, revealing, and entertaining recount of Lafayette's extradoridany life published to date. It is not only a masterful biography but a valuable text on the American and French Revolutions and beyond.
Unger's Lafayette is one of the best written revolutionary period biographies. Most of us know Lafayette only for his American Revolution contributions. Unger's book takes us to the French revolution as well and Lafayette's key role in it. Here he tried to prevent the massacres that took place and personally paid dearly for his role. One can not help have strong admiration for Lafayette as a man of ideals, honesty and courage. Unger has written a highly readable and entertaining biography. I read his book on Hancock and was also imnpressed with Unger's ability to tell a story with an always interestimg prose.
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States Why Not, Lafayette? Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette The Lafayette Escadrille: A Photo History of the First American Fighter Squadron Cabin Class Rivals: Lafayette & Champlain, Britannic & Georgic and Manhattan & Washington Lafayette General and Madame de Lafayette: Partners in Liberty's Cause in the American and French Revolutions
