In the few observations which the Author has to make on the subject of the following work, he does not feel it necessary either to eulogize, or vilify the character of Buonaparte:-- successful enterprise, and disappointed interests, have mutually furnished the world with everything which could be said or written of this extraordinary man, whose encouragement of the fine arts has given rise to a series of Medals unequalled by any of modern times, and surpassed only by those standards of excellence, the elegant and classical Coinage of antient Greece and Rome. Much, however, as they possess to instruct the Artist, amuse and gratify the man of taste, and give emulation to rival genius; it is trifling, compared with those mighty and appalling events which for thirty years have astonished and convulsed the world, and of which they are at once a proud monument, and a degrading record.

The series commence with the BATTLE OF MONTENOTTE, the first victory gained by Bonaparte after his appointment to the command of the army of Italy, in 1796; and is followed by others, commemorating events and important battles in which the French were successful, up to 1813.

On the Emperor's return from Elba, in 1815, the Medal, No. CXXXVI. was immediately struck, and is chronologically the last of the Series. The French Medallic Mint List, however, has placed the five small Medals of the Empress Maria Louisa, the Princess Eliza, the Princess Pauline, the Queen of Naples, and the Queen Hortense after it, in the succession here enumerated: they were struck probably in 1813, the Medal of Maria Louisa bearing that date.

The Author having had no other guide for the historical facts, than the public records of the time; the difficulty of ascertaining precisely the meaning intended to be conveyed by the devices on some of the Medals, must be apparent to every body; and he hopes for the indulgence of the public, to a work not intended to combat opinions or principles, but solely to assist the collector of Napoleonic Medals, with a description of the Obverse and Reverse, and a brief account of the circumstances which gave rise to them.

The want of such a publication being generally acknowledged, nothing of the kind having been published either in this kingdom, or in France, the present will, it is hoped, prove acceptable, until someone, possessing more knowledge of the subject, with greater abilities to display it, shall produce to the Public a work more deserving of their notice.