This book, published in 1990, and revised in 1999, takes account of the latest discoveries regarding Stendhal concerning the imperial period and the work of the auditor of the State Council. This volume also addresses one aspect that has been overlooked: the deep unhappiness of Stendhal, probably victim of malice and stupidity of the monarchy. This new version also tries to take into account more coherently the heroic principle behind the very life of Stendhal. Could Stendhal ever write the story of his life without romanticizing or raising a certain amount of romantic tension? It must be admitted that his life should be regarded as his first novel.