Diary of the Besieged Resident in Paris

by Henry Du Pré Labouchère (Creator)

This is a reproduction of the original artefact. Generally these books are created from careful scans of the original. This allows us to preserve the book accurately and present it in the way the author intended. Since the original versions are generally quite old, there may occasionally be certain imperfections within these reproductions. We're happy to make these classics available again for future generations to enjoy!

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1871

About the author

Henry Du Pré Labouchère was an English politician, writer, publisher and theatre owner in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Reviews

[Shivam Bahuguna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry Labouchere's style of writing is unique for someone in a besieged city. He is at once, detached and involved.
The book is peppered with what would one call the Englishman's witticisms, expressed tongue in cheek, even often in grim situations where death, starvation and chaos are bearing upon. Being a well-connected, influential man, his access to various information sources and the access to the city presents a unique picture of the Siege of Paris, 1870-71.
This book is a very comprehensive read if one wants to read not just about the Siege of Paris but to place it in those chaotic years of European history.

[sbu_andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

dnf’ed, mostly because the author sucks according to Wikipedia and because as a real diary of a siege it didn’t make for a good page turner

But it’s absolutely worth getting on project gutenberg and skimming through. Such a great time capsule and really interesting in its perspective. I love Franco Prussian war stuff, but I’ve always heard it from a very pro-France POV. The idea of this english guy basically telling Paris to get over itself is compelling, even if the banality of being under siege weighs on you as you read