Maggs Bros.

“There appears to be no English edition of this work, possibly because Pouqueville’s text is very anti-British. In this work Pouqueville’s philhellenic sentiments find full expression… he became an ardent philhellen, possibly because of his experiences while he was consul at Ioanninas with Ali Pasha” (Navari).

Pouqueville’s introduction to philhellenism came some years earlier when he was captured by privateers, whilst returning to Italy from Egypt where he had been attached to the scientific section of Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt. He was landed at Navarino, but subsequently taken to Tripoli where he spent several several months in the company of Greeks and had the opportunity to learn their language. He was however subsequently taken to Constantinople, where he was held for two years in the prison of the Seven Towers. His first book Voyage en Morée… was published in 1805 and led to his appointment as French agent at Ionninas. Drouilla, 559-562; Atabey, 992; Blackmer 1345.