There is more historical and less personal matter in this volume than in my previous one. I have aimed rather at giving my readers a general idea of the Commune's successive phases than at penning a complete account of my own varied experiences. In many instances, however, in which I do not mention myself, I supply facts based on personal observation. Now and again, some episode has lent itself to narrative of an autobiographical character, and I have then without compunction sounded a personal note. I may add that in preparing my general narrative I have consulted a number of books, and many newspapers of the time.