volume one

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE.
"We are not of those who tlimk that readers are without
curiosity as to the position in life, actions, and fortunes of
the authors who afford them instruction or pleasure the
;
eagerness with which the birthplaces of men of genius are
sought for and commemorated ; the fondness with which
their most trifling actions are dwelt upon ;
and the endless
collections that are made of their conversations and sayings,
prove that this cannot be the case.
In a prefatory memoir, we can scarcely go into so many
details of the life of Michaud, as, perhaps, the subject deserves.
Michaud was not a mere author, whose history
may be read in his works. He lived at a momentous
period, and was no idle spectator of passing events a com-
;
plete life of Michaud would, indeed, swell to a history of
Trance from 1790 to 1839.
Joseph Fran9ois Michaud, born at Albens, m Savoy, on
the 19th of June, in the year 1767, was descended from a
family that traced its nobility beyond the tenth century.
One "of his ancestors, Hugh Michaud de Corcelles, was
deservedly distinguished by the emperor Charles Y. The
father of Joseph was obliged to leave his country, in consequence
of what is termed by his biographer, a piece of boyish
rashness, but which we prefer relating to any of the warlike
deeds of the abovenamed Hugh. AYhilst on a shooting
party, he sought refreshment in a cottage, and found the
for, at the moment of
mistress of it in the greatest distress ;