Author and subject were beautifully matched in this biography. Talleyrand had a fascinating life at the heart of the Church, power, politics and diplomacy and Duff Cooper lived similarly on the last three. They also both had a strong interest in women. As a result Cooper is more understanding of, and better able to explain, Talleyrand's actions than most historians I've read. Where Talleyrand's behaviour is appalling, he says so, but he always explains. The writing is exquisite, almost every sentence is so polished as to be an epigram. The story always moves along, neither too slowly nor too quickly, the individuals are clearly delineated and the politics beautifully explained. A thrilling read of a fascinating person, by someone who knows and understands politics, diplomacy and matters of the heart. Wonderful.