The Life of La Fayette, the Knight of Liberty in Two Worlds and Two Centuries

Chapter 2: PREFACE.

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About This Book

This biography traces the marquis's life from aristocratic origins and youth through his volunteer service in the American struggle for independence, diplomatic appeals on behalf of that cause, and active involvement in French political assemblies and uprisings. It recounts his arrest and imprisonment, subsequent liberation and interactions with successive regimes, a celebrated return visit to the United States, and final years in public office. Interspersed with portraits and documentary extracts, the narrative sketches family life and personal character while considering the tension between advocacy for liberty and commitment to legal order.

PREFACE.

THE life of the General Marquis de La Fayette is intimately connected with the two most important epochs in the history of both France and America. His name binds together these nations by indissoluble bonds of sympathy; and Washington and La Fayette will forever be found side by side in the annals of history.

As a large portion of the material presented in this volume has been gathered from French works never before translated and which are now out of print, and also from original files of newspapers, and various manuscripts written by members of the La Fayette family, a more complete life of General La Fayette is here offered than has before appeared, either in this country or in Europe.

THE AUTHOR.