Bidspirit auction | First Edition of Napoleon: The

First Edition of Napoleon: The Last Phase by Lord Rosebery, London, 1900, Deluxe Leather Binding - Original first edition of the important historical work Napoleon: The Last Phase by the British statesman and historian, former Prime Minister Lord Rosebery. The book was published in London in 1900 by the distinguished publishing house Arthur L. Humphreys, and is considered one of the most significant and highly regarded works written about the final days, the period of exile, and the death of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte on the island of Saint Helena. Lord Rosebery analyzes in depth and with incisiveness the political, cultural, and human dimensions of the exile, drawing on original documents, diaries, and first-hand testimonies of Napoleon's companions. The book includes the original title page printed in black and red, a detailed table of contents, and a comprehensive index of names and subjects at the end. The volume is bound in a luxurious period binding of deep dark-brown leather, featuring prominent blind-tooled border decorations to the front and back, and a substantial spine with raised bands and gilt-stamped title and author lettering. 261 pages. 24 cm. 848 g. In overall good condition: Binding and spine: hard, full leather binding in very good condition. The spine is entirely intact, firm, and retains the original gilt lettering clearly. Natural and light shelf wear is evident on specific leather edges, as expected of a book over 120 years old. Interior and leaves: good internal condition. The text is entirely complete and legible. A natural age and storage patina is evident in the form of light brown age spots on the title page and early leaves. As shown in the photographs, on the internal title page there is a small graphic erasure made with blue ink over the edition notation, which does not affect the text itself. The leaves are stable and well preserved. On the final page 261, there is a tear and slight loss at the lower central portion of the page, without damage to the text. * Lord Rosebery, who served as Prime Minister of Great Britain, was a respected historian and devoted collector of Napoleonic items. This book is considered one of the most fascinating and influential studies written on Napoleon Bonaparte's final years in exile on the island of Saint Helena. It critically examines British treatment of the deposed Emperor, the conditions of his captivity, and the figures who surrounded him in his last days. This item was printed by the distinguished publisher Arthur L. Humphreys, known for the high quality of his printing. The table of contents and index present the chapter divisions bearing directly on questions of finances in exile, Napoleon's conversations, and relations with the British governor Sir Hudson Lowe.