Napoléon and the Empire: ancient books, memoirs and Mémorial

Texts from the regime

The Code civil des Français, promulgated on 21 March 1804, was known as the Code Napoléon under the Empire: editions from the Imprimerie impériale displayed this title from 1807 onwards, some with the note ‘édition originale et seule officielle’ [original and sole official edition]. Proclamations, bulletins of the Grande Armée, collections of treaties and official descriptions of festivities, such as those for the marriage to Marie-Louise in 1810, form part of the same family of printed works. The Correspondance de Napoléon Ier [Correspondence of Napoleon I], published by order of Napoleon III, compiles thousands of letters and orders.

St Helena and the Memorial

Las Cases’ Mémorial de Sainte-Hélène was published in 1823 in eight volumes in-12° by the author himself, and was continually reprinted thereafter. Collectors seek the original edition and the lavish illustrated editions from the July Monarchy, such as that by Ernest Bourdin in 1842. Other accounts emerged around the exile, including those by Gourgaud, Montholon, the physician Antommarchi and the Irish surgeon O’Meara.

The return of Napoleon’s ashes, which arrived at Les Invalides on 15 December 1840, spawned its own printed memoirs, such as those by Abbé Coquereau, chaplain of the expedition, published in 1841.

Memoirs of relatives and soldiers

Memoirs by relatives appeared early, during the Restoration and July Monarchy: those by Bourrienne or the Duchess of Abrantes. Soldiers’ memoirs enjoyed great popularity at the end of the 19th century. The Mémoires du général baron de Marbot [Memoirs of General Baron de Marbot], published by Plon in 1891 in three volumes, met with immediate success; Conan Doyle considered it the finest war book in the world.

Lorédan Larchey published in 1883 with Hachette Les Cahiers du capitaine Coignet, based on a text printed in Auxerre between 1851-1853 in 500 copies, which the author sold himself. Paul Cottin released with Hachette the Mémoires du sergent Bourgogne on the Russian campaign. These accounts should be read with caution: Marc Bloch noted inaccuracies in Marbot’s writings.

Illustrated histories and iconography

Thiers devoted twenty volumes to Histoire du Consulat et de l'Empire, published from 1845 onwards. Under the July Monarchy, illustrated histories of Napoleon featuring vignettes established the legend, with drawings by Raffet, Charlet, or Horace Vernet. At the end of the century, JOB illustrated a first Napoleonic album for young readers with Plon in 1893, followed by Bonaparte and Napoléon by Georges Montorgueil with Boivin: these large albums are sought after in their publisher’s binding, with well-preserved corners and spine.

Uniform plates form a distinct field. Lucien Rousselot’s series comprises 106 plates published from 1943 to 1971, including 68 dedicated to the Napoleonic army; each plate is accompanied by a text booklet, the presence of which must be verified.

What determines value

• The edition: original, sought-after illustrated edition, or late reprint.
• Completeness: all volumes, including portraits, maps, and atlases as advertised.
• Binding: contemporary binding or, for albums, fresh publisher’s boards.
• Signed items: letters and commissions often bear a secretary’s signature, and a serious attribution requires examination.

A common memoir volume can be found for a few dozen euros; an original in contemporary binding, a well-preserved JOB album, or an official collection from the First Empire can reach several hundred euros, sometimes more, depending on condition and provenance.

Frequently asked questions

Which edition of the Mémorial de Sainte-Hélène should I choose?

The original 1823 edition, in eight small volumes, for the bibliophile; an illustrated edition from the July Monarchy, such as Ernest Bourdin’s 1842 version, for the pleasure of images; the Pléiade edition, published in 1935 in two volumes, for reading.

Is a signed letter by Napoleon in his own hand?

Rarely in full: the Emperor dictated, and only the signature is his, when it is not that of a secretary. Facsimiles of letters are numerous. Such an item should be purchased with a precise description and, if necessary, the opinion of an autograph expert.

Do soldiers’ memoirs have value?

Their value lies in the edition. The original Mémoires de Marbot (Plon, 1891) or the first editions of Coignet and Bourgogne, in good bindings, command much higher prices than 20th-century reprints, which are affordable and perfect for reading.

Where can I find your other military history books?

In the Napoleonic and militaria section, which brings together the entire military collection: campaigns, regiments, uniforms, decorations and war memorabilia, from the Ancien Régime to the 20th century.

To go further

• The Napoleonic and militaria section, for the entire military history collection.
• French Revolution: rare books, memoirs and historical documents, covering the period before the Consulate.
• Stendhal, author of a Life of Napoleon.
• Chateaubriand, opponent and later memorialist of the Emperor.
• Curmer, Hetzel, Magnin: the golden age of Romantic illustrated books.
• Sell and have your rare books appraised.