The general (of a military and diplomatic career) provides an excellent intimate look at the thinking and logic of Napoleon at that critical time of the Empire. Having served extensively at the court of the Tsar, de Caulaincourt was able to provide Napoleon with extensive information on the thinking of the Tsar, the country, etc. The information provided however, was not to Napoleon’s liking and therefore was largely ignored, much to the agony of the Grand Army. Yet Napoleon kept de Caulaincourt close to him (he was willing to keep those who provided excellent service close to him even if they provided information not to his liking) to the point where on the retreat from Moscow, and especially when Napoleon left the Grand Army, de Caulaincourt escorted him on that long and cold ride through Prussia, into Warsaw, and onto Paris.
After the fall of Napoleon, he retired from public life and died of cancer in 1827.
This book is a must read for students of Napoleon as it gives an excellent view of his thinking, logic, prejudices, etc. His views on the restoration of Poland, misreading of the Tsar, etc. are clear and fascinating.
