Then called Military Life Under the First Empire, it appeared in 1837 and at once enjoyed such success that copies became quite rare. Poor but sensationalized translations appeared in English. Turned author, the onetime captain of the Grande Armee described his service with racy good humor. All its characters, from marshals of the Empire to buck privates, are depicted with an astonishing accuracy; the reader senses that they have really lived. After finishing this volume, we are certain that you will feel the same inexpressible regret that comes when you turn, all too soon, the last page of a best-selling novel.".