Read's map of Napoleon's exile on St Helena, Second State

READ, R.P.

This Geographical Plan of the Island & Forts of St Helena is Dedicated by permission to Field Marshal His Ro.l Highness The Duke of Kent and Strathearn By Lieu.t R.P. Read.
London: J. & M. Rippin, 1817. Original colour. 460 x 590mm.

Map of the island of St Helena, the South Atlantic island chosen to house Napoleon during his second exile because of the ring of high cliffs that would make escape a virtual impossibility. For the first two months he lived in a pavilion on 'The Briars' estate (almost the centre of the map), marked here 'Buonaparte's First Residence'. He was then moved to Longwood House, as shown here.
The poor state of repair of Longwood, situated on a damp and windswept part of the island, is reported to have shortened the former emperor's life.
First published in 1815, this example is the third state (of four), with a new publisher.


Stock ID : 22662