Whereas most history books or biographies regarding the Bonapartes barely mention his son, or document at most a footnote stating that he was sickly and died young, this book shows us that he was "worthy of inheriting his father's glory", and often exerted his will to prove it so. At a young age he began to read about his father, and longed to complete the work that had been left unfinshed. He looked forward to the day he could join the action, and bring glory back to France, Italy, and Poland.
Various anecdotes are related, and sources cited documenting not only how clever and intelligent he was, but how free-thinking and stubborn he could be as well. He was well loved by the people, but had a bitter antagonist in Metternich who used his strong influence on those that could have raises or assisted "L'Anglon" to his natural destiny.
During such times he was wont to fall in depression or despondency, or neglect his health by overexerting himself riding during the day, and carousing, or reading or studying until late night, or the next moring. These are the conditions that brought the young son of Napoleon I from a healthy, robust child and adolescent to be the frail young man that passed away from consumption. ( )