<p>Charles-Joseph, Seventh Prince de Ligne, was from a prominent family in Hainaut, Belgium and served in the army of the Habsburg empire, his life a continuous paradox: soldier without command, ambassador without portfolio, crusader without a cross, and marshal without an army. Nor was he more fortunate with his writings. This state of affairs caused him to reflect that he would be an author without a following because of … his superiority. The 34 volumes of his Mélanges appeared confused, with the result that he is best read in anthologies.</p><p>This collection of letters and notes focuses on some of his political ideas or on his preening as a “man about town.” The two longest texts are to his wife and to Marquise de Coigny; most are mere notes. All have been carefully vetted for their reliability: gay, but not licentious, serious but not stodgy, both profound and lighthearted.</p><p>The translator and editor, Basil Guy, is a Professor Emeritus of French at U.C., Berkeley. He is a well-known specialist of the European eighteenth century, with a particular interest in the Prince de Ligne. His translation of Ligne’s Coup-d’Œil at Belœil has attracted special notice, as have his editions of other works by the Prince, published in collaboration with the Nouvelles Annales Prince de Ligne.</p>
