Napoleonic History Book 1824 | Baron Fain | Original Fold-out Map

An original French history book from 1824, written by Baron Agathon-Jean-François Fain, former cabinet secretary to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Manuscrit de mil huit cent treize describes the events of the year 1813, a decisive period in the history of the French Empire. From his position as Napoleon's secretary, Fain had direct access to the imperial administration and the events he describes in this work.

This first volume covers, among other things, Napoleon's return after the Russian campaign, the reorganization of his army, the political developments in Europe, and the military campaigns in Germany. The battles of Lützen and Bautzen, as well as the armistice of June 1813, are also discussed in detail.

A special feature of this edition is the large, original fold-out map of the territories between the Rhine and the Oder. The map displays the historical geography of Central Europe and was included specifically to clarify the events in the book. The map is complete and well-preserved for its age.

The book is bound in a characteristic nineteenth-century half-leather binding with marbled boards and traces of gilded spine decoration. The binding shows significant wear and the hinges are fragile. The interior, however, is sturdy and generally well-preserved.

A more than 200-year-old historical work that offers a unique insight into the final years of Napoleon's reign.

Details

• Title: Manuscrit de mil huit cent treize
• Subtitle: Contenant le précis des événemens de cette année; pour servir à l'histoire de l'empereur Napoléon
• Author: Agathon-Jean-François Fain, baron Fain
• Publisher: Delaunay, Paris
• Printer: Imprimerie de Fain, Paris
• Year of publication: 1824
• Edition: Original nineteenth-century edition
• Volume: Tome Premier, volume 1 of 2
• Pages: VI + 489
• Language: French
• Country of origin: France
• Dimensions: 20.5 × 13 - 3 cm thick
• Binding: Half-leather binding with marbled boards
• Illustrations: Large original fold-out map
• Map: Carte des pays situés entre le Rhin et l'Oder
• Subject: Napoleon Bonaparte, French Empire, European history, and the military campaigns of 1813
• Special features: Written by a former cabinet secretary to Napoleon
• Condition: Reasonable antique condition. The book block is sturdy and the pages are generally well-preserved. The leather spine is heavily worn and the hinges are fragile, particularly the front hinge. The original fold-out map is complete and well-preserved, with minor signs of age. Discoloration and foxing are present throughout the book.