2 Volume set.
Second edition published 1822.
Volume 1. xxvii, 512 pages.
Volume 2. 542 pages.
2 engraved frontispiece + 2 plates.
Contemporary half-calf over marbled boards.
Raised bands + gilt titles on spine. An attractive set.
Dr. Barry E. O'Meara, an Irish born doctor was appointed surgeon to Napoleon Bonaparte
on St. Helena. The publication of this work created a sensation and rapidly
ran to five editions. There were two reasons for its popularity, firstly because
of O'Meara's reporting of Napoleon's outspoken conversations with him and
secondly for his treatment in print of Sir Hudson Lowe, the Governor of
St. Helena. Lowe had asked O'Meara to report the private conversations
between himself and Napoleon directly to him. It is clear that the doctor
became Napoleon's confidant and that Lowe was not privy to any conversations.
Lowe was known for his antagonistic attitude and spitefulness towards the
former Emperor and O'Meara did his best to twart his efforts. A serious rift
developed and O'Meara was removed from his post. On his return to England
and after publication of his book, he became extremely popular, attracting the attention
of Lord Byron and Thomas Moore, by his publications of the anti-Lowe pamphlets.
Shipping weight 2000g.
Shipped and insured by recorded delivery.
- Binding Condition: Very Good
- Overall Condition: Very Good
- Size: 22 x 15 cm
- Sold By: West Clare Rare Books
- Contact Person: Tom Moloney
- Country: Ireland
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 0657087803
- Preferred Payment Methods: Credit Cards - PayPal - Cheque.
- Trade Associations: AA Approved
