France from Behind the Veil

France from Behind the Veilis a book by Princess Catherine Radziwill, a Polish-Russian blue-blood, who was a popular figure at the Imperial courts in Germany and Russia. The book covers fifty years of social and political life by the author.

Excerpt:

"Towards the end of the year 1868 I arrived in Paris. I had often before been in the great city, but had never occupied any official position there. Now, however, having been appointed secretary to our (Russian) embassy, I consequently enjoyed special privileges, not the least being opportunity to watch quite closely the actors in what was to prove one of the greatest dramas of modern history. I had many acquaintances in Paris, but these belonged principally to the circle known still by the name of Faubourg St. Germain, for I had never frequented the Imperialistic world..."