'The Memoirs of Chateaubriand Volume II' Summary

The Memoirs of Chateaubriand Volume II is a continuation of the author's autobiographical account of his life. It covers the period from 1800 to 1811, a time of great upheaval in France. Chateaubriand returned to France after a long exile and fought for the King in the Napoleonic Wars. He also achieved literary success with his novel Atala and his travelogue The Genius of Christianity.

The volume begins with Chateaubriand's return to France in 1800. He is dismayed by the changes that have taken place in his country since he left. The French Revolution has been overthrown, and Napoleon Bonaparte is now the ruler of France. Chateaubriand is initially opposed to Napoleon, but he eventually comes to see him as a necessary evil.

Chateaubriand also achieves literary success during this period. His novel Atala is published in 1801 and is a critical and commercial success. It is followed by his travelogue The Genius of Christianity in 1802. These works establish Chateaubriand as one of the leading writers of his generation.

In 1806, Chateaubriand joins the French army and fights in the Napoleonic Wars. He is wounded in battle and eventually takes leave from the army. He then travels to the Near East, where he writes his travelogue Travels in Greece, Palestine, and Syria.

The Memoirs of Chateaubriand Volume II is a fascinating and introspective look at the life of one of France's most celebrated writers. It is a valuable historical document as well as a fascinating personal account.