Queen Hortense A Life Picture of the Napoleonic Era

Muhlbach is the pseudonym of Mrs. Luise Mundt. Writing as Muhlbach, she produced more than fifty novels and her works in their entirety, comprise almost one hundred volumes. Her historical romance novels are where the author’s fame rests. The book begins: One moment of bliss is not too dearly bought with death, says our great German poet, and he may be right; but a moment of bliss purchased with a long lifetime full of trial and suffering is far too costly. And when did this moment of bliss come for her? When could Hortense Beauharnais, in speaking about herself, declare, I am happy? Now, let suffering and sorrow come upon me, if they will; I have tasted felicity, and, in the memories it has left me, it is imperishable and eternal!