The book of the famous writer, literary critic and theater expert A.I. Deutsch (1893-1972) tells about the life and work of the famous French tragic actor Talm. Based on the documents found, the author recreates the turbulent life of the era of the French Revolution, Directory, Consulate, Empire, Restoration. Writers, actors, politicians will pass before the reader's eyes: Voltaire, Beaumarchais, Marie-Chosef Chenier, Dugazon, Madame de Stael, Robespierre, Danton, Marat, Napoleon.