The Last Barons of Weyssensee

The author of the memoirs “From a Castle in Courland to a Rectory in Nièvre” adds a fictional account of his life and adventures to his literary tally. With lucidity he continues to examine the first three quarters of the 20th century and to examine the chaos that disturbed Europe and Europeans through many minor scuffles and two dreadful world wars. This book highlights the aristocratic dynasties which collapsed throughout the twentieth century preserving their highs and lows including their contributions their abuses their failure to recognize certain realities their natural class and virtues. The author does not shy away from controversies stemming from class warfare politics religion or art. The image that the author gives of the old nobility is simultaneously old-fashioned and picturesque. Through the lucidity with which he witnesses the fall of the last barons everyone witnesses the nobility and crassness of his fellow man including families on the rise or those on the downturn. The triumphs and agonies stretch beyond each family and intertwine with the history of their neighbors and friends. This fictional novel includes some characters resembling his family members who are clearly and dearly cherished by the author. The novel also mixes some true-life adventures of his own family with fictional accounts of his invented characters. This book was truly a labor of love for him.