The Barefoot Emperor
An Ethiopian Tragedy
Format:Paperback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Published:4th Aug '08
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This engaging book explores a unique 19th-century conflict between Ethiopia and Britain, focusing on Emperor Theodore's reign and his infamous gun, 'Sevastopol'.
In The Barefoot Emperor, readers are taken on a captivating journey through a peculiar chapter of 19th century Ethiopian and British imperial history. The narrative centers around an eccentric African ruler, the Emperor Theodore, and his formidable creation, a massive European-built gun named 'Sevastopol'. As Ethiopia faced turmoil, Theodore retreated to his mountainous fortress in Magdala, where he became increasingly erratic, holding British consul and other Europeans captive, leading to a tense standoff.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of a British expeditionary force, led by Sir Robert Napier, which was dispatched to rescue the hostages. With over 10,000 soldiers and a vast entourage, the British faced numerous challenges, including the harsh terrain of the Ethiopian highlands. The expedition's ultimate goal was to confront Theodore, whose reign was marked by both grandeur and madness, as he resorted to violent measures against his captives.
As the narrative progresses, the fate of Theodore and his colossal mortar becomes a dramatic climax, highlighting the clash between an isolated medieval kingdom and the rising power of Europe. Philip Marsden weaves this extraordinary tale with his characteristic narrative skill and deep affection for Ethiopia, providing readers with an insightful look into a fascinating historical episode that shaped the destinies of both nations.
‘A masterly account…Marsden's compelling narrative is full of gems… “The Barefoot Emperor” 'warms the insides' in specifically Ethiopian ways. It's a triumph; a work of entirely unpredicted necessity.’ Independent
‘Compelling…a balanced, full-bodied account…of these extraordinary events…Marsden, an expert on Ethiopia, is also a gifted storyteller and his narrative has pace and, above all, suspense.’ Sunday Times
‘Marsden has done an amazing job of reconstruction… wonderfully strange.’ Daily Express
‘An amazing story…a page-turning narrative of a sort I haven't read in years.’ Spectator
‘Marsden has combined his outstanding skills as a travel writer – his intimate knowledge of a foreign clime, his instinctive sympathy for a lost culture, his wonderfully evocative, almost poetic prose style – with the research talents of a first-rate sleuth to produce a quite spellbinding work of historical biography ’ Sunday Telegraph
‘Marsden first visited Ethiopia in the 1980s; his understanding of the country is manifest on every page. His narrative … is beautifully paced, and his story is incredible.’ Daily Telegraph
‘It is Philip Marsden's achievement that he has made Theodore central to his theme…as always, Marsden manages to handle his research material with a light touch and lets the story develop its own momentum. This is imperial history told without an imperial perspective.’ TLS
‘There are few, if any, historians who can match the wit, pace and flair of Philip Marsden. It reads less like history than a rip-roaring novel with a cast of chatracters as extraordinary as any fiction-writer could devise.’ Mail on Sunday
‘Philip Marsden is a wonderful writer who tells the tragic story of Tewodros with sympathy, elegance and a knowledge of Ethiopia that few Western writers can match. His book makes a fine present for Christmas.’ Literary Review
ISBN: 9780007173464
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 27mm
Weight: 360g
320 pages