The Tragedy of St. Helena By: Walter Runciman (1847-1937)
The Tragedy of St. Helena by Walter Runciman is an insightful and meticulously researched historical account of Napoleon Bonaparte's final years in exile. Runciman takes the reader on a gripping journey through the desolate island of St. Helena, where the fallen emperor lived out his remaining days surrounded by an entourage of loyalists and guarded by the British. The author's narrative style seamlessly weaves together historical records, personal letters, and eyewitness accounts, creating a comprehensive and vivid portrayal of Napoleon's life in captivity. Runciman masterfully captures the complex dynamics between Napoleon and the people around him, shedding light on the emperor's temperament, resilience, and enduring charisma. One particularly captivating aspect of the book is how Runciman explores the psychological toll that exile and isolation took on Napoleon. The author delves into the emperor's shifting mental state, revealing his moments of despair, frustration, and occasional glimmers of hope. With meticulous attention to detail, Runciman paints a vivid picture of the physical and emotional deterioration that Napoleon endured during his time on St. Helena. Furthermore, the book provides valuable insights into the geopolitical context of the time, examining the tense relationship between Napoleon and the British government. Runciman unravels the complexities of Britain's role as both captor and caretaker, shedding light on the various debates and controversies surrounding Napoleon's imprisonment. Although The Tragedy of St. Helena primarily focuses on Napoleon and his immediate circle, Runciman also delves into the lives of the local inhabitants of St. Helena, painting a nuanced picture of their social and economic realities. This adds depth and texture to the narrative, emphasizing the impact of Napoleon's presence on the island's small community. One minor drawback of the book is its occasionally dense and detailed descriptions, which may be overwhelming for readers who are less familiar with the intricacies of European history. However, Runciman's engaging prose and skillful storytelling make even the most complex passages accessible and captivating. In summary, The Tragedy of St. Helena by Walter Runciman is an engaging and comprehensive account of the final years of Napoleon Bonaparte. With meticulous research and a skillful narrative, Runciman brings to life the struggles, hopes, and tragedies that enveloped the fallen emperor during his exile. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Napoleon's legacy and the dynamics of power and captivity. First Page: THE TRAGEDY OF ST. HELENA BY SIR WALTER RUNCIMAN, BART. AUTHOR OF "WINDJAMMERS AND SEA TRAMPS," "THE SHELLBACK'S PROGRESS," "LOOKING SEAWARD AGAIN," ETC. T. FISHER UNWIN LONDON: ADELPHI TERRACE LEIPSIC: INSELSTRASSE 20 1911 PREFACE In my early sea life, I used to listen to the eccentric and complicated views expressed by a race of seamen long since passed away. Occasionally there were amongst the crew one or two who had the true British hypothetical belief in the demoniacal character of Napoleon, but this was not the general view of the men with whom I sailed; and after the lapse of many years, I often wonder how it came about that such definite partiality in regard to this wonderful being could have been formed, and the conclusion that impresses me most is, that his many acts of kindness to his own men, the absence of flogging and other debasing treatment in his own service, his generosity and consideration for the comfort of British prisoners during the wars, his ultimate defeat by the combined forces of Europe, the despicable advantage they took of the man who was their superior in everything, and to whom in other days the allied Kings had bent in homage, had become known to the English sailors. How these rugged men came to their knowledge of Napoleon and formed their opinions about him may be explained in this way... Continue reading book >>

The Tragedy of St. Helena By: Walter Runciman (1847-1937)

The Tragedy of St. Helena by Walter Runciman is an insightful and meticulously researched historical account of Napoleon Bonaparte's final years in exile. Runciman takes the reader on a gripping journey through the desolate island of St. Helena, where the fallen emperor lived out his remaining days surrounded by an entourage of loyalists and guarded by the British.

The author's narrative style seamlessly weaves together historical records, personal letters, and eyewitness accounts, creating a comprehensive and vivid portrayal of Napoleon's life in captivity. Runciman masterfully captures the complex dynamics between Napoleon and the people around him, shedding light on the emperor's temperament, resilience, and enduring charisma.

One particularly captivating aspect of the book is how Runciman explores the psychological toll that exile and isolation took on Napoleon. The author delves into the emperor's shifting mental state, revealing his moments of despair, frustration, and occasional glimmers of hope. With meticulous attention to detail, Runciman paints a vivid picture of the physical and emotional deterioration that Napoleon endured during his time on St. Helena.

Furthermore, the book provides valuable insights into the geopolitical context of the time, examining the tense relationship between Napoleon and the British government. Runciman unravels the complexities of Britain's role as both captor and caretaker, shedding light on the various debates and controversies surrounding Napoleon's imprisonment.

Although The Tragedy of St. Helena primarily focuses on Napoleon and his immediate circle, Runciman also delves into the lives of the local inhabitants of St. Helena, painting a nuanced picture of their social and economic realities. This adds depth and texture to the narrative, emphasizing the impact of Napoleon's presence on the island's small community.

One minor drawback of the book is its occasionally dense and detailed descriptions, which may be overwhelming for readers who are less familiar with the intricacies of European history. However, Runciman's engaging prose and skillful storytelling make even the most complex passages accessible and captivating.

In summary, The Tragedy of St. Helena by Walter Runciman is an engaging and comprehensive account of the final years of Napoleon Bonaparte. With meticulous research and a skillful narrative, Runciman brings to life the struggles, hopes, and tragedies that enveloped the fallen emperor during his exile. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Napoleon's legacy and the dynamics of power and captivity.

First Page:

THE TRAGEDY OF ST. HELENA

SIR WALTER RUNCIMAN, BART.

AUTHOR OF

"WINDJAMMERS AND SEA TRAMPS," "THE SHELLBACK'S PROGRESS," "LOOKING SEAWARD AGAIN," ETC.

T. FISHER UNWIN LONDON: ADELPHI TERRACE LEIPSIC: INSELSTRASSE 20 1911

PREFACE

In my early sea life, I used to listen to the eccentric and complicated views expressed by a race of seamen long since passed away. Occasionally there were amongst the crew one or two who had the true British hypothetical belief in the demoniacal character of Napoleon, but this was not the general view of the men with whom I sailed; and after the lapse of many years, I often wonder how it came about that such definite partiality in regard to this wonderful being could have been formed, and the conclusion that impresses me most is, that his many acts of kindness to his own men, the absence of flogging and other debasing treatment in his own service, his generosity and consideration for the comfort of British prisoners during the wars, his ultimate defeat by the combined forces of Europe, the despicable advantage they took of the man who was their superior in everything, and to whom in other days the allied Kings had bent in homage, had become known to the English sailors.

How these rugged men came to their knowledge of Napoleon and formed their opinions about him may be explained in this way... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – Walter Runciman
Wikipedia – The Tragedy of St. Helena

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac