Lot 582
The Count de las Cases. Memorial de Sainte Hélène. Journal of the Private Life and Conversations of the Emperor Napoleon at Saint Helena. London: Printed For Henry Colburn and Co., 1823, 4 volumes, 1452 pp. Bound in morrocco red buchram, with matching gold-lined leather spines and corners; pages are gilt-edged. In addition to the title and author, the spines have "N" at top and bottom, encircled by a wreath; an eagle and a scarab appear separately, all in gold. Vol I. has a fold-out map of the Island of Saint Helena; Vol. II has a fold-out map of the Campaign of Italy. Cover of Vol. IV is separated, and all covers are rubbed. Interiors are tight and complete with minor toning. Inside cover of each volume has a bookplate from an earlier owner.
Las Cases was a French historian who emigrated to England in 1790 and lived there until 1802. He published Atlas historique in 1802, was made a member of the council of state in 1809, and created count by Napoleon in 1810. He accompanied Napoleon to Saint Helena and for eighteen months recorded his conversations with the man he considered "the most extraordinary man of modern times." The publication of these volumes established the Napoleonic legend in Europe. A must-have for the student of Napoleon or of military history.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
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