Three French BOOKS About NAPOLEON I - PIERRE LAVAL - HISTORY OF VERSAILLES

USPA NEWS - Situated in the Middle of Western Europe, FRANCE is a Country with a Fascinating History shaped by Conquest, Conflict and Revolution. From the Shaping of the Nation in the Middle Ages to the Abolition of the Monarchy to its Role in the Second World War, the History of France is Rich and Varied. Which Historical Events are the most Significant ? And which ones have left their Mark on Modern-Day France ?

Situated in the Middle of Western Europe, FRANCE is a Country with a Fascinating History shaped by Conquest, Conflict and Revolution. From the Shaping of the Nation in the Middle Ages to the Abolition of the Monarchy to its Role in the Second World War, the History of France is Rich and Varied. Which Historical Events are the most Significant ? And which ones have left their Mark on Modern-Day France ?

France has seen Hundreds of Era-Defining Events as well as a Wealth of Important Figures. When it comes to the Building of a Republic, it´s Fair to say that France has not had an Easy Ride. Learning more about a Country´s Past is a Great Way to gain an Understanding of the Outlook and Traditions of its People.The Victories and Hardships seen by the French Nation are not only Significant in the History of France, but in the History of Europe.

- "LE MEMORAIL DE SAINT-HELENE - Le Manuscrit Retrouvé" by Emmanuel LAS CASES, presented by Thierry LENTZ, Peter HICKS, François HOUDECEK, Chantal PREVOT and Published by Perrin Editions. Emmanuel LAS CASES was a French Atlas-Maker and Author, famed for an Admiring Book about Napoleon, "Le Mémorial de Sainte-Hélène" ("The Memorial of Saint Helena"). Emmanuel Las Cases and his Son accompanied the Ex-Emperor Napoleon I to Saint Helena. He then acted informally but very assiduously as his Secretary, taking down Numerous Notes of his Conversations, which thereafter took Form in the Famous "Mémorial de Sainte-Hélène". The Authors of this Compilation warn that The Mémorial should Today be read with Great Caution, as the Compiler did not hesitate to insert his Own Thoughts and to colour the Expressions of his Master. Las Cases seems to have sought an Opportunity to leave the Island when he had accumulated Sufficient Literary Material. He resided in Brussels. Having gained Permission to come to Paris after the Death of Napoleon I, he took up Residence there, published the Mémorial, and soon made a Fortune from it.

- "PIERRE LAVAL - Un Mystère Français" (Pierre LAVAL - A French Mystery), By Renald MELTZ and Published by Perrin Editions. Pierre LAVAL was a French Politician who began his Career as a Socialist, but over Time drifted Far to the Right. Following France's Defeat and Armistice with Germany in 1940, he served in Prominent Roles in Philippe Pétain's Vichy Regime, First as the Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Later as the Head of Government. After the Liberation of France in 1944, Pierre Laval was arrested by the French Government under General Charles de Gaulle. He was found Guilty of High Treason, and after a Thwarted Suicide Attempt, he was executed by Firing Squad. His Manifold Political Activities left a Complicated and Controversial Legacy, resulting in more than a Dozen Conflicting Biographies of him.

- "LA GRANDE HISTOIRE DE VERSAILLES" (The Great Story Of Versailles) by Georges POISSON and Published by Perrin Editions. The Palace of Versailles was the Principal Royal Residence of France from 1682 under Louis XIV until the Start of the French Revolution in 1789 under Louis XVI. It is located in the Department of Yvelines, in the Region of ÃŽle-de-France (About 20 Kilometres (12 miles) Southwest of the Centre of Paris. The Palace is now a "Monument Historique" and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Notable especially for the Ceremonial "Hall of Mirrors", the Jewel-Like "Royal Opera", and the Royal Apartments; for the more intimate Royal Residences, the "Grand Trianon" and "Petit Trianon" located within the Park ; the Small Rustic "Hameau" (Hamlet) created for Marie Antoinette ; and the Vast Gardens of Versailles with Fountains, Canals, and Geometric Flower Beds and Groves, laid out by André le Nôtre. The Palace was stripped of All its Furnishings after the French Revolution, but many Pieces have been returned and many of the Palace Rooms have been restored.

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