Benjamin Constant   By: Hippolyte Castille (1820-1886)

Benjamin Constant was a fascinating character from the 19th century, and Hippolyte Castille does a great job of capturing his complexities in this biography. Constant was a man torn between his desire for personal freedom and his deep-seated need for stability and security. Castille delves deep into Constant's personal life, shedding light on his failed relationships and the inner turmoil that plagued him throughout his life.

One of the most compelling aspects of this biography is how Castille explores Constant's political beliefs and the impact they had on his personal life. Constant was a champion of liberal causes, yet he also grappled with his own inner demons and conflicting desires. Castille does a commendable job of presenting Constant as a nuanced figure, neither wholly admirable nor wholly condemnable.

Overall, Benjamin Constant is a well-researched and engaging biography that sheds light on a lesser-known figure from history. Castille's prose is readable and engaging, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of politics and personal life.

First Page:

Un soir, en décembre 1830, une foule immense s'engouffra dans la triste rue de marbriers et de fossoyeurs qui meneau cimetière du Père Lachaise. Paris, ses hautes maisons et ses tours grises se perdaient dans la nuit. Il pleuvait. Mais la foule émue, qui s'acheminait si tard vers la funèbre colline de l'Est, ne sentait ni la pluie, ni le froid... Continue reading book >>