Larger-than-life figure whose dodgy reputation demands reassessment. His interventions and motivations in France and Europe have been the source of heated debate, ever since his prominent role during the opening stages of the French revolution - Dwyer weighs up the arguments. Renewed interest in Napoleon Bonaparte. Dwyer is a Talleyrand specialist and expert on France and Europe during this period. Apart from Duff Cooper' s volume, there is nothing else available in English. Witty and wiley, cynical and charming, Talleyrand has in the past been portrayed as an opportunist, hypocrite, and traitor who betrayed governments whenever he had a chance to do so. From church establishment figure to revolutionary, supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte to promoter of the Bourbon Restoration, this book follows the twists and turns of Charles Maurice Prince de Talleyrand's remarkable career through one of the most turbulent periods of French history. However, Phillip Dwyer presents Talleyrand as a pragmatist, a member of the French political elite, mediating between various political interests and ideological tendencies to produce a working compromise, rather than actively seeking the overthrow of governments. This is the latest book in the best-selling "Profiles in Power" series. Philip Dwyer specialises in the history of Napoleonic France and Europe: published titles include Napoleon and Europe (Longman) and Modern Prussian History (Longman). He teaches history at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales.