Queen Louisa of Prussia
& Napoleon & Louisa: The Conflict to Tilsit
by Mrs Charles Richardson

Two accounts of the life of the queen Napoleon called, 'My Beautiful Enemy'.

Queen Louise of Prussia (1776-1810) was known for her beauty, intellect and patriotism during the Napoleonic Wars. Often referred to "the soul of national virtue," she became symbolic of Prussian resilience against Napoleon Bonaparte's France, following her nation's military defeat by the emperor's armies. Born in Hanover as Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, at age 17, she met Crown Prince Frederick William of Prussia and they married in 1793 in a union of genuine affection. She became queen in 1797 when her husband ascended the throne. The couple had nine children. Louise was vocal in the Berlin "war party", calling for resistance against French expansionism. Before the Battle of Jena she accompanied the army in military uniform to boost morale. After Prussia's collapse, Louisa met Napoleon at Tilsit and though she failed to win concessions, she earned the abiding affection of her subjects.. She died at age 34 from an illness, which her people attributed to heartbreak at her country's occupation. Napoleon remarked upon her death that her husband had "lost his best minister,". Her memory was inspirational in the "War of Liberation" against the French fought in 1813. The principal work in this Leonaur edition is complemented by an extract from memoirs which focus upon her personal experience and views of the war including some interesting correspondence. It is also provides some perspectives on the progress of the war from French participants.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.