Napoleon & St Helena

On the Island of Exile
By Johannes Willms

The island of St Helena, in the South Atlantic, is at one and the same the most remote (more than 2000km from the nearest major land mass) and most famous island in the world, due to it being the final place of exile of Napoleon Bonaparte, a role it was chosen for because of its very remoteness from Europe.

St Helena today is a unique colonial survivor, almost without an economy of its own. Lacking an airport, the only regular link is by the Royal Mail Ship St Helena, the last of her type, and the inhabitants are dependent on the support of the British government. Almost the only thing going on for the island is its history, with what tourists there are attracted by Napoleon's last residence, now maintained by the French government. This fascinating book is truly an account of a visit to 'the last place on earth'.

'Willms is a wry, entertaining commentator, properly suspicious of hagiography'

Sara Wheeler, The Guardian, 16.08.2008; Read the full review here.

Johannes Willms, born 1948, is a historian and journalist. he was in charge of the editorial office at ZDF (German TV Channel) and later the feature section at the Süddeutsche Zeitung. His previous works includes books on German and French history. His latest book is Napoleon. A Biography.