Le roi Jérôme, frère prodigue de Napoléon

Until now, very little study has been dedicated to Jerome Bonaparte, King of Westphalia and the only Bonaparte brother to have witnessed the restoration of the empire under Napoleon III. Jacques-Olivier Boudon's new book, Le roi Jérôme, aims to redress this state of affairs and provide the reader with a detailed study of this multi-faceted and complex character.
 
Jerome, the youngest of Napoleon's brothers, joined the navy at sixteen and travelled all over the world, including Egypt, Brazil, St. Helena and the United States. After returning to Europe, he took part in the 1806-1807 Prussian campaign, married Catharine of Württemberg and became King of Westphalia. As well as playing an important role in Napoleon's European system, the kingdom also became the model-state in French-controlled Germany. Jerome was an extravagent and charming ruler and his enjoyment of life's pleasures and romantic conquests led to his nickname, the “König lustig”.
 
However, his story was not just about the finer things in life. As well as reforming the kingdom of Westphalia, he also played a role in the Cent-Jours and distinguished himself at the battle of Waterloo in 1815. A long period of exile followed which was only brought to an end by the revolution in 1848. He returned to Paris hoping to play a role in Louis Napoleon's new regime. During his lifetime, he also held the positions of governor of Les Invalides, President of the Sénat and member of the Conseil de régence. His is thus a story that covers both the First and Second Empires, and the witness to a period indelibly marked by his brother Napoleon.
 
Click here to read an interview with the author, Jacques-Olivier Boudon.