This volume carries on the history of the House of Rothschild as revealed by the relevant documents from 1830 up to the peace that concluded the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. In the writing of this volume, the Rothschild families have brought no influence of any kind to bear; the author's aim has been to portray without prejudice or partiality the tremendous part that the House played in the events of the nineteenth century. Original documents and letters that had been intercepted have occasionally afforded particularly illuminating revelations; although, in the case of extracts from some of the letters, it is necessary to bear in mind that the originals were probably carefully altered by the Rothschilds themselves, with the deliberate intention of making upon persons like Metternich a definite impression such as would assist them in carrying out their plans. Seen in this light they are no less instructive and characteristic of the methods of the House than the more ingenuous documents that undoubtedly constitute a large proportion of those used in this work.
--This text refers to the
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edition.
The epilogue which appears at the end of the book makes no claim to continue the treatment of the subject on the same lines; it merely attempts to bring out one or two of the more striking moves executed by the House of Rothschild on the political chessboard during the sixty years leading up to the present day, moves which show how the House, in spite of growing difficulties, vanishing influence, and the powerful competition of younger and richer firms, has endeavored until the most recent times to maintain its position, to influence international policies, and although with diminishing success, to drive them along the path which corresponded to the interests of the bank.
