Der Graf von Saint-Germain: Das Leben eines Alchimisten

A scholarly biography reconstructs the life and legends of an elusive 18th-century nobleman and reputed alchemist, juxtaposing anecdotes, contemporary memoirs and official correspondence to separate myth from documentary evidence. One part collects colorful recollections, character sketches and popular tales; the other assembles archival records, letters and official protocols that chronicle his travels, courtly engagements, a notable diplomatic mission and his final years. The author evaluates claims about secret arts and possible affiliations, examines forgeries and exaggerations, and situates the figure within the itinerant, intrigue-filled world of European high society.