Les Cent Jours (1/2) - Mémoires pour servir à l'histoire de la vie privée, du retour et du règne de Napoléon en 1815.

"Les Cent Jours" by baron Pierre Alexandre Édouard Fleury de Chaboulon is a historical account written in the early 19th century. The work serves as a memoir detailing the significant events surrounding the life of Napoleon Bonaparte during the period following his return from exile on the island of Elba, particularly focusing on the events leading to his brief reign known as the Hundred Days. The author, who was an officer in Napoleon's administration, aims to provide a firsthand perspective on the political machinations and key figures involved in this tumultuous period. The opening of the memoir establishes the author's intent to confront misconceptions about Napoleon's actions and motivations during his return to power in 1815. The author outlines that the common narratives surrounding this moment are flawed, particularly around his abdication and the revolutionary context of March 20. It introduces various historical figures and sets the stage for a detailed exploration of Napoleon's character, highlighting his complexity as a leader marked by both brilliance and flaws. The narrative begins to unravel the political intrigues, the shifting alliances, and the sentiments of the populace, suggesting a nuanced examination rather than a one-dimensional portrayal of this pivotal moment in French history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)