Robert Helmont

It is partly based on Daudet's actual experiences during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, as described in the Preface.

[1] The book was originally published by Dentu in the 1873 Musel Universel but received little notice.

Unable to flee to Paris ahead of the advancing "Saxons", he decides to hide in an hermitage deep in the Sénart woods.

For the next 5 months he has a series of adventures, as told by Daudet in colorful and naturalistic prose.

Historically accurate details about costume, architecture, food and mannerisms provide an excellent painting of the time.