The Courts of Europe at the Close of the Last Century

First published in 1841, this fascinating memoir offers a glimpse into the opulent and turbulent world of European courts in the late 18th century. Swinburne, a British diplomat and travel writer, recounts his interactions with monarchs, aristocrats, and revolutionaries across the continent. From his time at the court of Catherine the Great in Russia to his encounters with Napoleon in Italy, Swinburne's adventures provide a unique perspective on a pivotal period in European history.