Napoleon Bonaparte through the writings of Jules Mazé

In commemoration of the Francophonie Day in Cuba, the Napoleon Museum in Havana presented the book L’Épopée Impériale by the French writer Jules Mazé (1865−1951).

This event is the first one held by the centre after being closed for some months for repairs. It also marks the inauguration of the Literary Tea space, which is part of the museum’s activities and will occur on a monthly basis.

Alejandro Caballos Martínez, a museum specialist, stated that this copy came from Julio Lobo y Olavarría’s collection on Napoleon. The Office of the Historian acquired the compilation in 1960, and the museum was inaugurated the following year.

On the other hand, Marianelys Olivera, a specialist librarian at the museum, explained that they chose this text for the presentation because it is not well-known, and it also features an exlibris (the stamp of the book’s first owner), a rarity in today’s context.

The text chronicles Napoleon Bonaparte’s life, from his birth to his exile on the island of Saint Helena. It is divided into four chapters, totaling approximately 395 pages. Moreover, it holds significance as part of the museum’s rare and valuable collection, given its status as a limited edition that is challenging to procure.

The copy presented this past Thursday, L’Époppée Impériale, dates back to 1910, and it is estimated that Lobo, known as «the sugar king,» acquired it around 1930, although the auction house where it was purchased is still unknown.

Given the good state of preservation of the book, despite over a century passing since its publication, it is inferred that it passed through few hands before becoming the property of the renowned magnate.

Text and photos: Aymara Rodríguez Pérez, second-year journalism student, Faculty of Communication, University of Havana.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez