Little is known of the true origins of the French adventurer Victor-Antoine-Claude Robert, Count de Paradès (1752–86). He arrived in Paris in 1778, just as the Franco-American alliance, which guaranteed French military support to the United States against Great Britain, was being signed. Paradès was determined to join the French Army, but lacking the connections to do so, offered his services as a spy. He travelled repeatedly to England, visiting ports and fortifications to gather confidential information. First published in 1791, this work provides a detailed account of Paradès' adventures and misfortune. Written while he was jailed in the Bastille, the book denounces the corruption of ministers who wrongly accused him of state treason after the failure of the 1779 Franco-Spanish 'Armada' against Plymouth. A fascinating historical document, it sheds light on the political relations between France and England during the American War of Independence.
By:
Robert de Paradès Imprint: Cambridge University Press Country of Publication: United Kingdom Dimensions:
Height: 216mm,
Width: 140mm,
Spine: 10mm
Weight: 230g ISBN:9781108045483 ISBN 10: 1108045480 Series:Cambridge Library Collection - European History Pages: 172 Publication Date:02 August 2012 Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Advertisement of the translator; Advertisement of the French editors; Advertisement of the author; Letter to the King; A short account of my proceedings, from the first of January 1778, to the peace in 1782.
