Subject
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834 Books
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Samuel L. (Samuel Lorenzo) Knapp
Memoirs of General Lafayette With an Account of His Visit to America and His Reception By the People of the United States; From His Arrival, August 15th, to the Celebration at Yorktown, October 19th, 1824.
"Memoirs of General Lafayette" by Samuel L. Knapp is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This work chronicles the life and contributions of the Marquis de Lafayette, a key figure in the American Revolutionary War, detailing his ardent support for civil liberties and his involvement in key military campaigns. The memoir focuses particularly on Lafayette’s visit to America in 1824, where he was celebrated for his role in the fight for independence and was warmly received by the American people. The opening of the memoir introduces the reader to Lafayette's immense dedication to the cause of liberty, highlighting his background and motivations. It outlines his early life, his noble upbringing in France, and his passionate resolve to support the American colonies in their fight against British rule. The narrative conveys Lafayette's arrival in America, his campaign participation, and his personal connections with prominent figures such as George Washington. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for an exploration of Lafayette's lasting impact on both American and French revolutionary movements, showcasing his blend of personal sacrifice and military prowess.
Lydia Hoyt Farmer
The Life of La Fayette, the Knight of Liberty in Two Worlds and Two Centuries
"The Life of La Fayette, the Knight of Liberty in Two Worlds and Two Centuries" by Lydia Hoyt Farmer is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book chronicles the life and contributions of Marquis de La Fayette, an influential figure in both the American and French revolutions, highlighting his dedication to liberty and law across two continents and centuries. At the start of the book, the author introduces La Fayette's early life, detailing his noble ancestry and youthful enthusiasm for military endeavors. Born in a tumultuous time, he became a passionate advocate for liberty, which significantly influenced his decision to join the American Revolution. As the narrative unfolds, La Fayette faces considerable opposition and personal sacrifices, including leaving his family and enduring threats to his fortune and reputation, ultimately showcasing his unwavering commitment to the fight for freedom and equality.
Rupert Sargent Holland
Lafayette, We Come! The Story of How a Young Frenchman Fought for Liberty in America and How America Now Fights for Liberty in France
"Lafayette, We Come!" by Rupert Sargent Holland is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the remarkable story of the young Marquis de Lafayette and his passionate commitment to the American fight for independence during the late 18th century. It also reflects on the reciprocal support that America would later provide to France during its own struggles for liberty. At the start of the narrative, we learn about Lafayette's early life in the Château of Chavaniac, France, where he was born into nobility. Following the tragic death of his father, Lafayette grows up in a well-to-do but somewhat isolated environment, ultimately becoming fascinated by freedom and the rights of man. His youthful spirit drives him to embark on a daring journey to America, against his family's wishes, motivated by his desire to assist the American colonies in their quest for liberty. The opening chapters set the stage for Lafayette's transformation from a privileged French nobleman to a dedicated soldier ready to face the challenges of war, foreshadowing the significant role he would play in both American and French history.
Helen Nicolay
The Boys' Life of Lafayette
"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.
James Mott Hallowell
The Spirit of Lafayette
"The Spirit of Lafayette" by James Mott Hallowell is a historical account written in the early 20th century, specifically around the time of World War I. The book explores the life and legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette, a French nobleman who played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War and advocated for democracy and human rights. Hallowell’s work delves into Lafayette's unwavering commitment to the principles of liberty and justice, framing him as a symbol of transatlantic democratic ideals during a tumultuous period. Through a detailed narrative, Hallowell chronicles Lafayette's journey from an aristocratic background in France to becoming a key figure in American history. The text highlights his involvement in pivotal battles, his relationships with American leaders like George Washington, and his return to France where he faced the challenges of the French Revolution. Hallowell poignantly illustrates Lafayette’s struggles against both autocracy and the excesses of revolutionary fervor, culminating in his imprisonment during the Reign of Terror. The book ultimately serves as a tribute to Lafayette's enduring spirit of freedom and his vision for a more democratic world, resonating with Hallowell's contemporaneous struggles against tyranny during the First World War.
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