"THE EMPEROR IS IN THE BOAT": FIRST EDITION OF NARRATIVE OF THE SURRENDER OF BUONAPARTE, 1826, HANDSOMELY BOUND

(NAPOLEON) MAITLAND, F.L. Narrative of the Surrender of Buonaparte and of His Residence on Board H.M.S. Bellerophon; with a Detail of the Principal Events that Occurred in that Ship, Between the 24th of May and the 8th of August, 1815. London: Henry Colburn, 1826. Octavo, modern full tan calf, raised bands, black morocco spine label. $1200.

First edition of this contemporary account of Napoleon's time aboard the H.M.S. Bellerophon after his surrender to the English written by the captain to whom he surrendered, with folding frontispiece map of the Basque Roads and the Port of Rochefort.

"Although little novelty as to the leading events connected with the surrender of Buonaparte to Captain Maitland was to be expected… yet we own that we opened this volume with a highly excited curiosity, and found every page full of interest. Facts, about which there was some uncertainty, are related in their tue colours; circumstances, which were before exaggerated, are here reduced to their simple and natural shapes; several mere fictions are exposed, and some anecdotes and traits of Buonaparte's character and conduct while on board the Bellerophon are related, with which we were not before acquainted… It is throughout written with the utmost simplicity and impartiality, and forms a most essential document for one of the most extraordinary and romantic passages in the history of the late war" (Monthly Review). With publisher's advertisements.

Very light scattered foxing to interior, expert repair to map stub, slight rubbing to binding. A handsome, near-fine copy.