History of Hortense: Daughter of Josephine, Queen of Holland, Mother of Napoleon III

The History of Hortense: Daughter of Josephine, Queen of Holland, Mother of Napoleon III is a biography written by John S. C. Abbott. The book tells the story of Hortense de Beauharnais, the daughter of Josephine Bonaparte and stepdaughter of Napoleon Bonaparte. Hortense's life was full of drama and tragedy as she struggled to find her place in the world and navigate the political turmoil of 19th century Europe.Hortense was born in 1783 and spent her childhood in Martinique before moving to France with her mother. She was married off to Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, at a young age and became Queen of Holland when Louis was appointed King. However, their marriage was unhappy and they eventually separated.Throughout her life, Hortense was a talented artist and musician who was admired by many. She also had a close relationship with her son, Louis-Napoleon, who would later become Napoleon III. However, her life was marked by tragedy, including the deaths of her husband, her mother, and several of her children.Abbott's book provides a detailed look at Hortense's life and the political and social context in which she lived. It is a fascinating portrait of a woman who played an important role in the history of Europe, but whose story is often overlooked. The History of Hortense is a must-read for anyone interested in the Napoleonic era or the lives of powerful women in history.1870. With Engravings. An historical account of Hortense, one of the world's noblest women. Hortense's father fell beneath the slide of the guillotine; her mother was imprisoned and doomed to die; and she and her brother were turned penniless into the streets. By the marriage of her mother with Napoleon, she became the daughter of the Emperor, and one of the most brilliant and illustrious ladies of the imperial court. The triumph of the Allies sent her into exile, where her influence and her instruction prepared her son to contribute powerfully to the restoration of the Empire, and to reign with ability which is admired by his friends and acknowledged by his foes. The mother of Napoleon III never allowed her royally-endowed son to forget, even in the gloomiest days of exile and sorrow, that it might yet be his privilege to reestablish the Republican Empire, and to restore the dynasty of the people from its overthrow by the despotic Allies.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.