Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord led a controversial and diverse existence. In 1791 he proposed that church property be confiscated to raise money to pay the governmental expenses and was excommunicated by the Pope. Napoleon made him Grand Chamberlain and Prince de Benevent. Talleyrand argued with Napoleon, opposed his policy with Russia and Spain and when Napoleon fell, Talleyrand was instrumental in restoring the Bourbons. This work is a wonderful, illustrated account of his life and times.