The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume III

A seasoned diplomat‑turned‑traveler, Charles‑Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, sets off from his Prussian roots to wander through the bustling capitals of Europe. His memoirs stitch together vivid snapshots of cities—Warsaw, Berlin, Venice, Paris, Madrid, and beyond—while noting the customs, architecture, and everyday rhythms that defined each place in the mid‑1700s. The narrative feels like a well‑kept diary, offering listeners a portable tour that balances factual detail with the baron’s personal curiosity.

Born into a Thuringian family that embraced Protestantism, the baron’s privileged upbringing gives him access to royal courts and military circles, letting him observe the personalities behind the pomp. He describes courtiers, ministers, and aristocrats with a blend of respect and gentle humor, revealing the ambitions, fashions, and scandals that animate court life. Listeners will enjoy the lively, sometimes witty, portraits that turn a grand tour into an intimate conversation across time.