Recollections of the Emperor Napoleon: During the First Three Years of his Captivity on the Island of St. Helena (Cambridge Library Collection - European History) - Softcover

Abell, Elizabeth Balcombe

Softcover

ISBN 10: 110803540X ISBN 13: 9781108035408

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2011

Synopsis

After Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat at Waterloo (1815), the British government exiled him to the island of St Helena, where he forged a friendship with Betsy Balcombe (later Abell, 1802-71), the thirteen-year-old daughter of the government official in whose premises he stayed while Longwood House was being prepared as his residence. In these vivid memoirs, first published in 1844, Abell recalls her time spent with Napoleon, painting a portrait of a humorous and boyish character, of whom she was initially afraid, but then came to view as a friend and companion. Recounting his arrival, his opinions on music, wine and religion, his thoughts on his surrender and his battle tactics, his way of life, and his departure for his permanent incarceration at Longwood, Abell's recollections, which offer an unusual view of one of the most significant figures of modern history, have since inspired many documentaries, dramas and children's stories.

About this title

Book Description:

First published in 1844, these memoirs by Betsy Balcombe (later Abell) recall her childhood friendship with Napoleon Bonaparte when he first arrived in exile on St Helena after the defeat of Waterloo, and offer an unusual view of one of the most significant figures of modern history.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 110803540X
• ISBN 13: 9781108035408
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 276