A Descriptive Sketch of the Island of St. Helena, Including its Extent, Climate, Productions, Population, Government, Means of Defence, &c. &c.

NAPOLEON - ST HELENA.

Published by London: Printed for J. and E. Wallis; J. Wallis, Sidmouth, 17 August 1815

About this Item

Second edition, published nine days after the first. Its publication was likely spurred by Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo on 18 June; he arrived in Jamestown on 15 October 1815. We have traced only three institutional copies: the first edition at the State Library Darmstadt and Yale University, the second edition at the University of Oxford. At the head of this broadside is an engraving of St Helena viewed from the north-west, captioned with 12 locations of interest such as fortifications and the government house. The text details pertinent information about the island, such as its longitude and latitude, defensive formations, climate and weather, population, and endemic diseases. It is painted in a picturesque manner: "St. Helena is gifted with considerable attractions and advantages, both local and natural. The climate seems to be peculiarly adapted to the constitution of Europeans, of whom many have resided here for a long series of years, without suffering any malady". Napoleon remained on the island until his death on 5 May 1821. The engraving is slightly different to other examples dated 8 August 1815, with ships in different positions. Broadside (502 x 364 mm), black letterpress on one side only. Hand-coloured engraved illustration at head. Edges a little dust soiled, nicked, and creased, a few tidemarks on verso: a very good copy.

Seller Inventory # 192029

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Descriptive Sketch of the Island of St. Helena, Including its Extent, Climate, Productions, Population, Government, Means of Defence, &c. &c.
• Publisher: London: Printed for J. and E. Wallis; J. Wallis, Sidmouth, 17 August 1815