"In her lifetime it was widely said that there were three political powers in Europe - Britain, Russia and Madame de Stael. Byron described her as "the first female writer of this, perhaps of any age," Stendhal as "the chief talent of the age." Germaine de Stael was certainly the most remarkable woman of her time and she remains unique - both for the scope of her artistic and intellectual achievements and the force of her political influence, which helped to bring down Napoleon." "Germaine de Stael became an incomparable salon hostess and the best conversationalist in Europe - she not only drew the men who wielded power to her salons, but also influenced them. Napoleon did not ignore her power and knew her to be his implacable enemy, eventually banishing her from France. Her Swiss chateau, Coppet, soon became the center of liberal resistance. Enforced travels in Italy and Germany led to seminal books in which she discussed issues such as the role of women, and artistic and political freedom. She introduced the new German romantic philosophy to the French, heralding the French Romantic movement. Her friendships with the Tsar, with Bernadotte and among the English ruling class, undoubtedly contributed to the formation of the fourth coalition which brought Napoleon's power to an end."--BOOK JACKET