The Boys' Life of Lafayette

by Helen Nicolay

"The Boys' Life of Lafayette" by Helen Nicolay is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book chronicles the life of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, emphasizing his remarkable journey from a young nobleman in France to a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War. The narrative focuses on Lafayette's early life, lineage, and the significant historical events that shaped his character and led him to champion the cause of liberty and democracy. At the start of the book, the author introduces Lafayette's aristocratic lineage and the saying, "The Lafayettes die young, but die fighting," which encapsulates the family's long-standing tradition of martial valor. The opening chapters discuss his upbringing in a somber yet nurturing household, highlighting his dedicated upbringing by his mother and aunts, and foreshadowing his future aspirations for glory and liberty. As he matures, the narrative hints at his growing ambitions, including his initial education and participation in the court of Louis XVI, setting the stage for his later involvement in the fight for independence in America.