Beaumarchais and the War of American Independence

"Beaumarchais and the War of American Independence" in 2 volumes is one of the best-known works by an American historian Elizabeth Sarah Kite. Pierre Beaumarchais (1732-1799) was a French polymath who rose in French society and became influential in the court of Louis XV as an inventor and music teacher. He made a number of important business and social contacts, and played various roles as a diplomat and spy. An early French supporter of American independence, Beaumarchais lobbied the French government on behalf of the American rebels during the American War of Independence. Before France officially entered the war in 1778, Beaumarchais played a major role in delivering French munitions, money and supplies to the American army.

Volume 1:

Early life

First Financial Successes

Business Negotiations in Spain

Beaumarchais's Return from Madrid

The Famous Memoirs of Beaumarchais

Beaumarchais Goes to London in Quality of Secret Agent of Louis XV

Beaumarchais's Second Mission Under Louis XVI

Playing Figaro upon the Stage of Life

Visits the Empress of Austria

The Character of Figaro

The First Performance of Le Barbier de Séville

Founder of the First Society of Dramatic Authors...

Volume 2:

Beaumarchais's Earliest Activities in the Cause of American Independence

First Steps of the Government of France

Beaumarchais's Memoirs to the King

Beaumarchais's English Connections

Memoirs Explaining to the King the Plan of His Commercial House

Suspicions of England Aroused Through Indiscretions of Friends of America

The Declaration of Independence and Its Effect in Europe

Beaumarchais's Activity in Getting Supplies to America

Letters to Congress

The Mariage de Figaro

House of Beaumarchais Searched

Declared an Emigré

Confiscation of his Goods

Imprisonment of his Family

The Ninth Thermidor Comes to Save Them

Beaumarchais After his Return from Exile

Correspondence with Bonaparte

Pleads for Lafayette Imprisoned

Death of Beaumarchais...