Pierre Lanfrey

Pierre Lanfrey (26 October 1828 – 15 November 1877) was a French historian and politician.

The son studied philosophy and history in Paris and wrote historical works of an anti-clerical and rationalizing tendency.

This book, based on the emperor's correspondence published in 1858-1870, attempted the destruction of the legends which had grown up around his subject, and sought by a critical examination of the documents to explain the motives of his policy.

[1] In his desire to refute current misconceptions and exaggerations of Napoleon's abilities, Lanfrey unduly minimized his military and administrative genius.

A staunch republican, he was elected to the National Assembly in 1871, became ambassador at Bern (1871-1813), and life senator in 1875.