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le développement récent de son pays, sa tâche n'était pas facile cette fois-ci. D'un côté, il ne devait pas blesser une nation qui pleurait encore un prince éminent; de l'autre, l'historien avait une trop haute idée de sa mission pour accorder des louanges faciles et banales. Les deux extrêmes sont évités avec le même tact. Ce qui donne en outre une valeur durable à cet ouvrage, c'est l'emploi judicieux et la communication de documents restés inconnus. » — Literarisches Centralblatt .
« L'auteur de tant d'ouvrages remarquables nous donne ici, d'après des sources authentiques, un exposé fidèle de la vie et des œuvres de Léopold I er , le célèbre fondateur de la dynastie et de la liberté belges. » — Ôsterreichische militàrische Zeitschrift.
Extraits des journaux anglais.
« A readable biography of the wise and good King
Leopold is certain tobe read inEngland. The interest oft his
life, unlike that of so many sovereigns, is not merely histo-
rical. He acted a great part on a noble stage, and his name
is in a measure associated with ail the stirring events of
this century. The introduction to this biography of Leopold
is the most interesting portion of the book. It describes
the King in his study and in his home, the simplicity of his
tastes, the energy of his character, his capacity for har
work, his love of science and gênerai literature, which
included a spécial inclination for novel reading, his delight
in fine scenery , and his passion for exercise. » — Daily News.
Il I
« However frequently the late King of the Belgians was designated in his lifetime by the honourable title of the « Nestor of modem politics, » it wat never made so clearly apparent why he merited that title until this biography was written. It is indeed delightful to follow M. Juste as he traces the eventful career of this eminent personage from the time of his being a cadet of the noble family of Saxe- Coburg, through his earlier days, when he took a prominent part in that eventful war, of the miseries of which the présent génération hâve very little cognizance or thought, during which he saw and conversed with Napoléon I, and Alexander of Russia, and attached himself to the one, whilst he repudiated the offer of promotion from the other ; and how afterwards he became the husband of the Princess Charlotte, to find, after a few months of happiness not often enjoyed by mortal man, ail his prospects blasted by her cruel and sudden death ; for we seem to pass through those eventful circumstances as in some measure participating in them. But it is when M. Juste cornes to record the causes of Leopold I, accepting the Crown of Belgium, and of the manner in which he raised that little kingdom to a pitch of unexpected prosperity and prominence which it never could hâve anticipated, that the real value ofthis biography is perceived. Having had the advantage of reading M. Juste's biography in the original French, no less than by means of Mr. Black's remarkably well-made translation, we are able to say that a more important contribution to historical literature has not for a long while been furnished, or one that will more positively demand and receive the claim of présent and future standard réputation. » — BeWs Weekly Messenger.
« The author has shown considérable industry in the collection of correspondence, and has accomplished his task in an enthusiastic spirit. He, moreover, writes agreeably, and sometimes even eloquently ; and he is so far impartial that he does not hesitate to record opinions adverse to his hero. M. Juste's book offers a sufflciently pleasant means of refreshing the memory, and of studying the character and career of a remarkable prince , who knew how to reap the full advantage of living in remarkable times. » — Pall Mail Gazette.
« This translation of the complète memoirs, by Mr. Black is executed, so far as a comparison of various corresponding passages in the two texts enables us to judge, with correctness, yet not without a graceful case. This end is not often attained in translations so nearly verbal as this is : the book itself deserves to become popular in England. The subject is of interest, and the story is narrated without excess of either enthusiasm or dépréciation. » —Athenœum.
« The interesting memoir of M. Juste gives us fresh détails of the various complications and conflicting circumstances which affected the life of this popular sovereign. M. Juste is altogether a charming guide and companion. Much of the matter which M. Théodore Juste has collected is a new to us ; and in giving us a thoroughly readable and interesting book, he has increased our admiration for a man whose name and famé must last, and whose glory will increase, as Belgium each year becomes the nearer and dearer friendof England. » — The Examiner.
« Circumscribed as are the limits of Belgium , its royal
founder, Leopold I, will ever occupy a foremost place among the distinguished worthies of his âge. The rise of his fortunes and the development of his plans are the subjects of thèse volumes, for which the author has obtained his materials from original documents, or from crédible and compétent informants. The whole narrative is so perfectly in accord with our own observations and the universal testimony of Europe, that we read it with confidence and trust in it with satisfaction. » — Morning Post.
