The Memories of Napoleon's Bodyguard from Karabakh Translated into English

• 02.05.2016, 12:50
•  Diaspora,  No-politics

The book "The Memoirs of Roustam: Napoleon’s Mamluk Imperial Bodyguard" written in French has been translated into English for the first time by Catherine Carpenter and edited with annotations and introduction by Ara Ghazarians, Mirror-Spectator writes.

Kidnapped in the Caucasus and sold in the slave markets of Constantinople, Roustam, who was an Armenian from Karabakh, in his Memoirs traces his odyssey from Mamluk to becoming Napoleon’s imperial bodyguard, valet and procurer, from Egypt to the gates of Versailles and beyond, Asbarez writes.

Unlike many with status and social standing in French society, Roustam entered Napoleon’s life without wealth, power or title, and became, over the years, his most trusted confidant.

Written by an individual alien to the cultural milieu of France and European civilization, the Memoirs provides a unique perspective on the life of Napoleon during his tenure (1799-1814). Privy to the most intimate details of his master’s life, Roustam’s Memoirs sheds light on the personal affairs of the most powerful political figure and military genius in modern European history. It highlights aspects of Napoleon’s relationships with his military commanders, inner circle, and political leaders.