Abstract

This book makes no attempt to deny the autocratic nature of Napoleon's regime and no effort to apologize for it. Nevertheless, it will demonstrate that the Emperor's constant determination to be a champion of letters assured the preservation of some measure of free expression in all the various areas of the literary community: in fiction, academia, drama, even in the most closely controlled area - journalism. Even in the instances where literary free expression was suppressed, Napoleon's attachment to literature assured that his actions were taken with a minimum amount of force.