Although written after 'The Companions of Jehu,' 'The Whites and the Blues' details events leading up to the first book.It follows the fortunes of young Charles Nodier, who arrives in Strasbourg to study Greek under the tutelage of Euloge Schneider. However, when he gets there, he discovers that Schneider has become the town's Public Prosecutor and is feared for his indiscriminate use of Madame Guillotine. All the while, the shadow of Napoleon lies heavy on the narrative. A page-turning read, full of political intrigue, betrayal, and romance, this is a must for fans of the 'Sainte-Hermine' trilogy.-