Statesmen, men of letters

2020-02-12T16:10:19.552Z

DOSSIER - From Louis XIV to Macron, our great politicians have all dreamed of being a writer. Because in France literature is the only true royalty, explains Patrice Gueniffey, who prefaces a collection of letters from Napoleon.

Patrice Gueniffey explains why Napoleon dreamed of being a great writer and how he became one in his correspondence.

LE FIGARO. - You preface the letters from Napoleon collected by Loris Chavanette in the “Bouquins” collection, and it is a way of reflecting on an unknown dimension of the Emperor. Thiers claimed that " Napoleon the writer is as tall as Napoleon the statesman ". Is this your opinion?

Patrice GUENIFFEY. - Spontaneously, the word "writer" is not the one that comes to mind when we think of Napoleon. Yet the latter enters a long French tradition which, from Louis XIV to Mitterrand, attaches a certain importance to literature, as if writing allowed to transcend power. Behind this desire there is a statement: power, even in all its magnificence, is not enough in itself; something more is needed. Napoleon wanted to be recognized as a writer, not only because he feared that posterity would forget him, but

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Source: lefigaro

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