Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais was an eighteenth-century French inventor; famed playwright; and upstart near-aristocrat in the court of King Louis XVI. In 1776; he conceived an audacious plan to send aid to the American rebels. What’s more; he convinced the king to bankroll the project; and singlehandedly carried it out. By war’s end; he had supplied Washington’s army with most of its weapons and powder; though he was never paid or acknowledged by the United States.To some; he was a dashing hero—a towering intellect who saved the American Revolution. To others; he was pure rogue—a double-dealing adventurer who stopped at nothing to advance his fame and fortune. In fact; he was both; and more: an advisor to kings; an arms dealer; and author of some of the most enduring works of the stage; including The Marriage of Figaro and The Barber of Seville.
#82047 in Books 2016-10-18 2016-10-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x .80 x 8.30l; .0 #File Name: 1581574029240 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book. Fun and fascinatingBy Jerry MelicharGreat book. Fun and fascinating!Gave as Christmas presents this year.Two recipient reviews:"Love the book--Ignoring kids and immersing myself in "futuristic nostalgia" right now""Thank you so much for sending me the book of Christmas memories which seems like it was written just for me. It addresses the years right after I was born and during the period when I grew up--I think I believed in Santa Claus most of the time she covers in her book right up to 1970!"1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Well done!By KAWSeattleLove this book. Highly recommend for nostalgia and Christmas buffs. Smaller than most coffee tables books but nice one to have setting it.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Fabulous book -- an essential curation for those who grew ...By The Cat BurglarFabulous book -- an essential curation for those who grew up in this time. I picked up a couple copies as Christmas gifts.
