Les cahiers du Capitaine Coignet (1799-1815)

A vivid portrait of a French soldier’s life unfolds through the pages of this memoir, written by a veteran who served from the turbulent days of the Revolution through the height of the Empire. The author’s own hand, reproduced in fac‑simile, lets listeners hear his steady cadence as he recounts the hardships of the front, the camaraderie among grenadiers, and the unchanging spirit that survived every promotion and battle.

Beyond battlefield anecdotes, the work offers a rare glimpse into the everyday world of early‑19th‑century military culture—its discipline, its jokes, and the simple pleasures of tavern gatherings where stories were swapped over coffee. The editor’s notes trace the manuscript’s journey from a modest bookseller’s stall to a cherished, though scarce, publication, underscoring the authenticity of the voice. Listeners will be drawn into the honest, unvarnished reflections of a man who, despite his rank, remained a true sergeant at heart.