The Black Mozart: Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Rating:
Summary: Conflicts with other recent biographies
Review: In my opinion, "The Black Mozart" often conflicts with other recent biographies I have read, by Emil F. Smidak (1996), Alain Guédé (2003) and Claude Ribbe (2004). Also, the cover of Guédé's book says: "Monsieur de Saint-George: Virtuoso, Swordsman, Revolutionary", "A Legendary Life Rediscovered", "Alain Guédé". The title page of "The Black Mozart" reads: "The Black Mozart, Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges", "Monsieur de Saint-George: Virtuoso, Swordsman, Revolutionary", "A Legendary Life Rediscovered" "by Walter E. Smith". Mr. Smith makes frequent use of the term "mulatto" as if it were acceptable. Prof. Claude Ribbe, a French historian of African descent, writes that "mulatto" was as insulting and demeaning in Saint-George's time as it is today. Smith quotes from books published in 1963 and 1972 but does not mention the biographies which benefit from subsequent historical research. Errors are numerous. On Page 1 Smith says: "Guadeloupe consists of several smaller islands nearby, like La Desirade, Marie Galante and Les Saintes." He also states: "Even today, all of these islands are still French colonies". In fact, Guadeloupe has long been an Overseas Department. It is part of France, not a colony. Prof. Ribbe's book, "Le chevalier de Saint-George", is only available in French. The other two biographies can be found in both French and English.