baron Agathon-Jean-François Fain

author

baron Agathon-Jean-François Fain

1778–1837

A close observer of Napoleon’s inner government, this French historian and archivist left behind vivid memoirs that later became valuable sources on the First Empire. His career moved from Revolutionary offices to the imperial cabinet, placing him near some of the era’s biggest decisions.

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Manuscrit de mil huit cent quatorze, trouvé dans les voitures impériales prises à Waterloo, contenant l'histoire des six derniers mois du règne de Napoléon

Manuscrit de mil huit cent quatorze, trouvé dans les voitures impériales prises à Waterloo, contenant l'histoire des six derniers mois du règne de Napoléon

by baron Agathon-Jean-François Fain

About the author

Born in Paris on January 11, 1778, Agathon-Jean-François Fain built his career inside the French state during a time of constant political change. He worked in government offices under the Directory, then moved into the secretary of state’s archives during the Consulate.

Fain is best known for his long service to Napoleon. In 1806 he became attached to the imperial cabinet and later served as first secretary, a role that gave him direct experience of how the emperor worked and how the machinery of government functioned behind the scenes. That firsthand knowledge shaped the historical writings and memoirs for which he is remembered.

After Napoleon’s fall, Fain continued to write about the period, and his recollections became important source material for historians of the French Empire. He later returned to high office under Louis-Philippe and also served as a deputy. He died in Paris on September 16, 1837.