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The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe
The essential biography of the controversial rebel, traitor, and only king of Haiti. Henry Christophe (1767 - 1820) is one of the most richly complex figures in the history of the Americas, and was, in his time, popular and famous the world over: in The First and Last King of Haiti, a brilliant, award-winning Yale scholar unravels the still controversial enigma that he was.
Slave, revolutionary, traitor, king, and suicide, Henry Christophe was, in his time, popular and famous the world over. Born to an enslaved mother on the Caribbean island of Grenada, Christophe first fought to overthrow the British in North America, before helping his fellow enslaved Africans in Saint-Domingue, as Haiti was then called, to gain their freedom from France. Yet in an incredible twist of fate, Christophe ended up fighting with Napoleon's forces against the very enslaved men and women he had once fought alongside. Later, reuniting with those he had betrayed, he offered to lead them and made himself their king. But it all came to a sudden and tragic end when Christophe--after nine years of his rule as King Henry I--shot himself in the heart, some say with a silver bullet.
Why did Christophe turn his back on Toussaint Louverture and the very revolution with which his name is so indelibly associated? How did it come to pass that Christophe found himself accused of participating in the plot to assassinate Haiti's first ruler, Dessalines? What caused Haiti to eventually split into two countries, one ruled by Christophe in the north, who made himself king, the other led by President Pétion in the south?
The First and Last King of Haiti is a riveting story of not only geopolitical clashes on a grand scale but also of friendship and loyalty, treachery and betrayal, heroism and strife in an era of revolutionary upheaval.
Slave, revolutionary, traitor, king, and suicide, Henry Christophe was, in his time, popular and famous the world over. Born to an enslaved mother on the Caribbean island of Grenada, Christophe first fought to overthrow the British in North America, before helping his fellow enslaved Africans in Saint-Domingue, as Haiti was then called, to gain their freedom from France. Yet in an incredible twist of fate, Christophe ended up fighting with Napoleon's forces against the very enslaved men and women he had once fought alongside. Later, reuniting with those he had betrayed, he offered to lead them and made himself their king. But it all came to a sudden and tragic end when Christophe--after nine years of his rule as King Henry I--shot himself in the heart, some say with a silver bullet.
Why did Christophe turn his back on Toussaint Louverture and the very revolution with which his name is so indelibly associated? How did it come to pass that Christophe found himself accused of participating in the plot to assassinate Haiti's first ruler, Dessalines? What caused Haiti to eventually split into two countries, one ruled by Christophe in the north, who made himself king, the other led by President Pétion in the south?
The First and Last King of Haiti is a riveting story of not only geopolitical clashes on a grand scale but also of friendship and loyalty, treachery and betrayal, heroism and strife in an era of revolutionary upheaval.
656 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2025
46 people are currently reading
3924 people want to read
About the author
Marlene L. Daut
9 books43 followersMarlene L. Daut is an author, scholar, editor, and professor. Her books include Tropics of Haiti: Race and the Literary History of the Haitian Revolution in the Atlantic World; Baron de Vastey and the Origins of Black Atlantic Humanism; Awakening the Ashes: An Intellectual History of the Haitian Revolution (UNC Press); and The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe. Her articles on Haitian history and culture have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, Essence, The Nation, the LA Review of Books, and others. She has won several awards, grants, and fellowships for her contributions to historical and cultural understandings of the Caribbean, notably from the Ford Foundation, the American Council of Learned Societies, the Haitian Studies Association, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. She recently won a grant from the Robert Silvers Foundation for The First and Last King of Haiti. Daut graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2002 and went on to teach in Rouen, France as an Assistante d’Anglais before enrolling at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a Ph.D. in 2009. Since graduating, Daut has taught Haitian and French Colonial history and culture at the University of Miami, the Claremont Graduate University, and the University of Virginia, where she also became series editor of New World Studies at UVA Press. In July 2022, she was appointed as Professor of French and African American Studies at Yale University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 4, 2025
Let's get right down to it, people. The First and Last King of Haiti by Marlene Daut is a stunning work of scholarship which is bogged down in that very scholarship. Ultimately, I have to give the book a rather middling score, but I ask that you hear me out all the way.
Daut tells the story of Haiti's first (and only!) king, Henry Christophe. To say that history has not been kind to Christophe's legacy would be quite the understatement. Daut explains how various sources treat him as the ultimate villain with not a single positive attribute. Daut thinks this is unfair and she intends to balance the scales while still being historically accurate. Christophe was not a saint, but he wasn't the devil either according to Daut.
I want to start with the very excellent aspect of Daut's book. Her research is in-depth, impeccable, and thorough. She consistently names sources and explains how we should view their contributions to Christophe's legacy. Daut's work in this aspect shows a mountain of material for any other scholars to try and argue with.
Unfortunately, the very research she has done and presents is the reason I have to consider it a difficult read. I often felt like Christophe takes a back seat to the arguments about sources and their biases. This book clocks in at over 500 pages of story and it gets seriously bogged down instead of telling the story of Christophe. To be clear, Daut has every right to present the story the way she wants to. (I hate when reviewers say, "they should have told the story this way.") However, as a reviewer I have to admit that it slowed the story down and could be confusing at times. It is not a criticism of Daut's actual writing. When she stops worrying about the information about the sources and just dives into things like the horror of Haitian slavery then you can see the story that could have been.
I'd be very interested in reading a work by Daut which is more focused on storytelling than scholarly rigor within the text (she should still go nuts in the bibliography!). Sadly, this book is not one I could recommend to a lay audience, but other scholars may appreciate the craft much more.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the publisher.)
Daut tells the story of Haiti's first (and only!) king, Henry Christophe. To say that history has not been kind to Christophe's legacy would be quite the understatement. Daut explains how various sources treat him as the ultimate villain with not a single positive attribute. Daut thinks this is unfair and she intends to balance the scales while still being historically accurate. Christophe was not a saint, but he wasn't the devil either according to Daut.
I want to start with the very excellent aspect of Daut's book. Her research is in-depth, impeccable, and thorough. She consistently names sources and explains how we should view their contributions to Christophe's legacy. Daut's work in this aspect shows a mountain of material for any other scholars to try and argue with.
Unfortunately, the very research she has done and presents is the reason I have to consider it a difficult read. I often felt like Christophe takes a back seat to the arguments about sources and their biases. This book clocks in at over 500 pages of story and it gets seriously bogged down instead of telling the story of Christophe. To be clear, Daut has every right to present the story the way she wants to. (I hate when reviewers say, "they should have told the story this way.") However, as a reviewer I have to admit that it slowed the story down and could be confusing at times. It is not a criticism of Daut's actual writing. When she stops worrying about the information about the sources and just dives into things like the horror of Haitian slavery then you can see the story that could have been.
I'd be very interested in reading a work by Daut which is more focused on storytelling than scholarly rigor within the text (she should still go nuts in the bibliography!). Sadly, this book is not one I could recommend to a lay audience, but other scholars may appreciate the craft much more.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the publisher.)
July 9, 2025
"Restoring slavery to the island remains the persistent goal of the French government. "
Haitians freed themselves from slavery and overthrew the French government....and the world powers will never forgive them for that.
Henry Christophe is probably one of the most important figures in world history and you've never heard of him. According to this book even in Haiti, his importance is barely mentioned. King Christophe wasn't a perfect he was actually a bad leader but that doesn't mean he wasn't important. By his 35th birthday, Christophe had gone from being a slave to a revolutionary hero. Christophe was a freedom fighter and he fought to his last day to ensure Haiti received recognition...and more importantly had Christophe lived longer Haiti would be in a far better place economically.
Now a quick side quest..
I don't live that far from Springfield, Ohio. If you've heard of Springfield it's probably in relation to the successful campaign to paint Haitian immigrants as "Dog eaters". Haiti is known as being a failed state....but what is rarely mentioned is why it failed.
59% of Haiti is in dire poverty, the median annual income is $450. In the years after the Kingdom of Haiti fell the French ordered Haiti to pay 700 million francs in 1805. The interest on this continued to climb. Haiti didn't have 700 million francs and in an effort to pay it off Haiti taxed it's citizens...mostly poor Black farmers. The world powers also hit Haiti with huge tariffs making trade almost impossible. Haiti in order to pay off this growing debt was required by France to borrow 30 million francs from France....yes you read that right. And over and over France would kindly "help" Haiti by requiring them to take out more and more high-interest loans. Because of this crushing debt, Haiti was unable to build an infrastructure, education, or a safety net for its people. In 1947 it was estimated that Haiti still owed France 28 billion in restitution. Haiti has probably paid an estimated 112 million to France in the last century. Adjusted for inflation and into dollars that's about $22 billion!!!!
Can you imagine what Haiti would look like today had they not been extorted by France...And the extortion continues into modern times. In 2003 France threatened to completely take over governing Haiti after the current (at that time) Haitian president demanded French restitution. I won't even mention how the U.S. government has actively destroyed the Haitian government. I mean how many Haitian leaders has the United States deposed????
All of this to once again say....
Haiti is paying for freeing itself and creating a working government. Instead of Haiti becoming a beacon for freedom in "the new world" it's painted as a consequence of Black governance. Henry Christophe should be a household name like other world leaders of his time.
I highly recommend this book...But I must say it is a dense read and it's not easy to read...but it's worth it.
Haitians freed themselves from slavery and overthrew the French government....and the world powers will never forgive them for that.
Henry Christophe is probably one of the most important figures in world history and you've never heard of him. According to this book even in Haiti, his importance is barely mentioned. King Christophe wasn't a perfect he was actually a bad leader but that doesn't mean he wasn't important. By his 35th birthday, Christophe had gone from being a slave to a revolutionary hero. Christophe was a freedom fighter and he fought to his last day to ensure Haiti received recognition...and more importantly had Christophe lived longer Haiti would be in a far better place economically.
Now a quick side quest..
I don't live that far from Springfield, Ohio. If you've heard of Springfield it's probably in relation to the successful campaign to paint Haitian immigrants as "Dog eaters". Haiti is known as being a failed state....but what is rarely mentioned is why it failed.
59% of Haiti is in dire poverty, the median annual income is $450. In the years after the Kingdom of Haiti fell the French ordered Haiti to pay 700 million francs in 1805. The interest on this continued to climb. Haiti didn't have 700 million francs and in an effort to pay it off Haiti taxed it's citizens...mostly poor Black farmers. The world powers also hit Haiti with huge tariffs making trade almost impossible. Haiti in order to pay off this growing debt was required by France to borrow 30 million francs from France....yes you read that right. And over and over France would kindly "help" Haiti by requiring them to take out more and more high-interest loans. Because of this crushing debt, Haiti was unable to build an infrastructure, education, or a safety net for its people. In 1947 it was estimated that Haiti still owed France 28 billion in restitution. Haiti has probably paid an estimated 112 million to France in the last century. Adjusted for inflation and into dollars that's about $22 billion!!!!
Can you imagine what Haiti would look like today had they not been extorted by France...And the extortion continues into modern times. In 2003 France threatened to completely take over governing Haiti after the current (at that time) Haitian president demanded French restitution. I won't even mention how the U.S. government has actively destroyed the Haitian government. I mean how many Haitian leaders has the United States deposed????
All of this to once again say....
Haiti is paying for freeing itself and creating a working government. Instead of Haiti becoming a beacon for freedom in "the new world" it's painted as a consequence of Black governance. Henry Christophe should be a household name like other world leaders of his time.
I highly recommend this book...But I must say it is a dense read and it's not easy to read...but it's worth it.
January 20, 2025
Let me say that I was very interested in this account of the life and times of Henry Christophe who I knew next to nothing about. This book was almost too detailed for me to absorb. There was so much information, detail and depth to it that keeping track of it was nearly impossible. Very well researched, lots of notes (52 pages), and my head was spinning after a while.
I love historical books, but this was a tough one for me to get through. I dreaded picking it up and could only read a chapter or two most of the time. It’s probably more suited for a history researcher / professor, or someone much smarter than myself. I can’t imagine that it would hold interest for the average reader for long.
I do like the fact that at the beginning of each chapter there is a summary of what the chapter entails. This helped a lot with the boredom factor.
Thank you to Knopf books for the free uncorrected proof of the book to read and review.
I love historical books, but this was a tough one for me to get through. I dreaded picking it up and could only read a chapter or two most of the time. It’s probably more suited for a history researcher / professor, or someone much smarter than myself. I can’t imagine that it would hold interest for the average reader for long.
I do like the fact that at the beginning of each chapter there is a summary of what the chapter entails. This helped a lot with the boredom factor.
Thank you to Knopf books for the free uncorrected proof of the book to read and review.
February 2, 2025
Most people who have heard anything about Henry Christophe, briefly King of Haiti, know little beyond what his enemies have written about him. His story has been told as a set piece of racial stereotypes. He is described as a ferocious tyrant, copying European court manners and divine right tyranny. Daut’s meticulous research tells a different story, of an idealistic man caught up in manipulations by the imperial powers determined to destroy the first independent black nation in the a western hemisphere. The research is meta critical and well documented. The early parts of the book are slow going for a non specialist but my interest grew as the story unfolded. Well worth the effort.
January 3, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, so it's possible my opinions on this book will be changed.
I had never heard of Henry Christophe and I was very ignorant about the founding of Haiti and it's kingdom under Christophe. After this read, I know more than I could ever thanks to the authors incredible research.
That said, the focus of the story is Henry Christophe, a man born enslaved who eventually became the reigning king of Haiti. His story is incredible, but like Brendan's review, I have to agree that Daut's mission to present an unbiased, academic portrait of Christophe results in a bogged down, confusing scholarly tome that almost resulted in my DNF several times. This book would be a great companion piece if you were to spend a semester on the study of Christophe, so it is far from casual reading.
You will walk away with a fair understanding of this remarkable person, and an introduction to several other amazing figures of this time. Thanks to this read, I am inspired to do more research into Haiti, it's founders and the repercussions in modern times, and what more can you ask of a book?
I had never heard of Henry Christophe and I was very ignorant about the founding of Haiti and it's kingdom under Christophe. After this read, I know more than I could ever thanks to the authors incredible research.
That said, the focus of the story is Henry Christophe, a man born enslaved who eventually became the reigning king of Haiti. His story is incredible, but like Brendan's review, I have to agree that Daut's mission to present an unbiased, academic portrait of Christophe results in a bogged down, confusing scholarly tome that almost resulted in my DNF several times. This book would be a great companion piece if you were to spend a semester on the study of Christophe, so it is far from casual reading.
You will walk away with a fair understanding of this remarkable person, and an introduction to several other amazing figures of this time. Thanks to this read, I am inspired to do more research into Haiti, it's founders and the repercussions in modern times, and what more can you ask of a book?
October 12, 2024
"The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe" by Marlene L. Daut examines one of Haiti's most significant historical figures. Daut traces Christophe's journey from enslavement to his role as a military leader in the Haitian Revolution, culminating in his reign as King of Northern Haiti.
The book covers Christophe's life, from his early days at the La Couronne hotel to his role in the revolution alongside Toussaint Louverture. Daut contextualizes Christophe's ascent within the political landscape of colonial Saint-Domingue and the early years of Haitian independence.
A central theme is the political climate surrounding Haiti's fledgling independence. Daut portrays the internal divisions plaguing the new nation and the external threat of France's attempts to reclaim its former colony. This context highlights Christophe's commitment to defending Haitian sovereignty, evidenced by his military fortifications and diplomatic efforts.
Daut's writing is both scholarly and accessible. Her approach challenges existing narratives, urging readers to consider the biases in historical accounts. The author's use of primary sources, including proclamations, letters, and memoirs, adds authenticity to her portrayal of Christophe and his era.
The book presents a balanced view of Christophe's legacy, addressing the controversies surrounding his reign. Daut presents various perspectives, from those who view him as a tyrant to others who see him as a visionary leader, thus allowing readers to engage with the complexities of Christophe's character and his challenges.
Daut's vivid descriptions of the historical period, particularly the palace at Sans-Souci and the Citadelle Laferrière, offer readers a tangible sense of Christophe's vision for Haiti.
The exploration of Christophe's downfall is particularly insightful. Daut depicts the king's final days, showing how his authority unraveled due to betrayal, rebellion, and illness.
While I do not claim to be a scholar of Haitian history, I believe 'The First and Last King of Haiti' significantly contributes to the study of Haitian history. Daut's work offers a nuanced portrayal of Henri Christophe, illuminating this complex figure and the turbulent times in which he lived. This book is particularly valuable for those interested in the aftermath of the Haitian Revolution. It provides a detailed account of the challenges faced by post-colonial states in their early years of independence.
This review is of an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor. It is currently scheduled for release on January 7, 2025.
The book covers Christophe's life, from his early days at the La Couronne hotel to his role in the revolution alongside Toussaint Louverture. Daut contextualizes Christophe's ascent within the political landscape of colonial Saint-Domingue and the early years of Haitian independence.
A central theme is the political climate surrounding Haiti's fledgling independence. Daut portrays the internal divisions plaguing the new nation and the external threat of France's attempts to reclaim its former colony. This context highlights Christophe's commitment to defending Haitian sovereignty, evidenced by his military fortifications and diplomatic efforts.
Daut's writing is both scholarly and accessible. Her approach challenges existing narratives, urging readers to consider the biases in historical accounts. The author's use of primary sources, including proclamations, letters, and memoirs, adds authenticity to her portrayal of Christophe and his era.
The book presents a balanced view of Christophe's legacy, addressing the controversies surrounding his reign. Daut presents various perspectives, from those who view him as a tyrant to others who see him as a visionary leader, thus allowing readers to engage with the complexities of Christophe's character and his challenges.
Daut's vivid descriptions of the historical period, particularly the palace at Sans-Souci and the Citadelle Laferrière, offer readers a tangible sense of Christophe's vision for Haiti.
The exploration of Christophe's downfall is particularly insightful. Daut depicts the king's final days, showing how his authority unraveled due to betrayal, rebellion, and illness.
While I do not claim to be a scholar of Haitian history, I believe 'The First and Last King of Haiti' significantly contributes to the study of Haitian history. Daut's work offers a nuanced portrayal of Henri Christophe, illuminating this complex figure and the turbulent times in which he lived. This book is particularly valuable for those interested in the aftermath of the Haitian Revolution. It provides a detailed account of the challenges faced by post-colonial states in their early years of independence.
This review is of an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor. It is currently scheduled for release on January 7, 2025.
March 11, 2025
4.5 stars
The First and Last King of Haiti is an academic masterpiece. Daut shows off her prolific knowledge of Haitian history with this monograph. Concerned with how earlier historical/literary/news works have covered Henry Christophe in a villainous light, Daut attempts to see Christophe through a fuller picture.
Not a moment in Henry Christophe's life is missed by Daut. Where there is no information, she picks the known information from persons around Christophe at that time in his life to piece together what it may have been like. This is one of the reasons TFALKOH is so big. Doubt says she understand "the king of Haiti's early life as a series of stories told about him, ones whose chains of recitation must be corroborated, verified, counterbalanced against and alongside the new documentation unearthed here, oral and written, including enemy reports as well as those that paint are more complicated but not necessarily more flattering portrait."
TFALKOH is published with a trad publisher, but it read more like an academic text from an academic press. The narrative can get bogged down with all citations from the many, many different commentaries on Christophe. It might be frustrating for some readers; I did get overwhelmed at times. However I personally enjoyed it - or maybe I'm just used to it. The narrative is not a straight line. Readers get the background information of everyone who was close to Christophe. I liked this aspect because provided a fuller picture of Christophe, especially when there is very limited tangible information about his early formative years. Daut says her responsibility is to her historical subjects, Christophe and his family, than any particular community.
TFALKOH sucks you in with the stories that Marlene Daut is able to weave throughout the narrative. I gasped, empathised and was agast in many different places. In places where the text may get bogged down the shocking stories always brings you back. Honestly I hope to be able to know as much to produce this type of work that Daut has put out there for the world. TFALKOH should go down as a classic in Haitian studies.
Thank you to www.CoriolisCompany.com for a review copy.
The First and Last King of Haiti is an academic masterpiece. Daut shows off her prolific knowledge of Haitian history with this monograph. Concerned with how earlier historical/literary/news works have covered Henry Christophe in a villainous light, Daut attempts to see Christophe through a fuller picture.
Not a moment in Henry Christophe's life is missed by Daut. Where there is no information, she picks the known information from persons around Christophe at that time in his life to piece together what it may have been like. This is one of the reasons TFALKOH is so big. Doubt says she understand "the king of Haiti's early life as a series of stories told about him, ones whose chains of recitation must be corroborated, verified, counterbalanced against and alongside the new documentation unearthed here, oral and written, including enemy reports as well as those that paint are more complicated but not necessarily more flattering portrait."
TFALKOH is published with a trad publisher, but it read more like an academic text from an academic press. The narrative can get bogged down with all citations from the many, many different commentaries on Christophe. It might be frustrating for some readers; I did get overwhelmed at times. However I personally enjoyed it - or maybe I'm just used to it. The narrative is not a straight line. Readers get the background information of everyone who was close to Christophe. I liked this aspect because provided a fuller picture of Christophe, especially when there is very limited tangible information about his early formative years. Daut says her responsibility is to her historical subjects, Christophe and his family, than any particular community.
TFALKOH sucks you in with the stories that Marlene Daut is able to weave throughout the narrative. I gasped, empathised and was agast in many different places. In places where the text may get bogged down the shocking stories always brings you back. Honestly I hope to be able to know as much to produce this type of work that Daut has put out there for the world. TFALKOH should go down as a classic in Haitian studies.
Thank you to www.CoriolisCompany.com for a review copy.
April 17, 2025
A fascinating piece of history I knew nothing whatsoever about. If only the book had been a little more engaging... but alas, it was dry as dust. (Not entirely surprising for a work with 100+ notes for every chapter.)
January 15, 2025
This book taught me the history of the Haitian Revolution and about the life of Henry Christophe. It was page turner for me and I was sad when I finished reading because I wanted to hear more. Loved the writing too.
March 1, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this novel.
This book is a history buffs dream! As someone who enjoyed history, and particularly Caribbean History as my favorite subject, it was truly wonderful to gain such new insights. I don't remember learning about Haiti having a king, so this was really refreshing to learn about. I loved the extent of research the author presented in this text, with many quoted sources that the reader will be able to individually research if they so choose.
The first chapter of the book felt a little bogged down with the sheer amount of research information and sources, but once I made it past that, this became a very enjoyable read. The rest of this piece feels partly like an informational text and part biographical retelling of a very important period of world history. I loved the insight shared about other leaders like Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Petion, and Toussaint Louverture, to name a few. We also got a look into their families and how the leadership decisions made by these men could easily have long-lasting and sometimes detrimental effects on them. There were so many obstacles created for these men to overcome to achieve and maintain the freedom of their people, that it is a wonder that they even managed as much as they did. The levels of betrayals, physical and psychological warfare that occurred among the leaders of the revolution, and the colonizing nations are truly astounding. A friend today could be an enemy tomorrow and an ally the following day.
I made so many highlights while reading, and I know that there will be new things to pay attention to on a re-read. This is definitely one of those books that I intend to keep and pass down to future generations. There is so much great information contained within these pages, and I'm super happy to own a physical copy. It's definitely one of the best books I read all month and for the year this far.
This book is a history buffs dream! As someone who enjoyed history, and particularly Caribbean History as my favorite subject, it was truly wonderful to gain such new insights. I don't remember learning about Haiti having a king, so this was really refreshing to learn about. I loved the extent of research the author presented in this text, with many quoted sources that the reader will be able to individually research if they so choose.
The first chapter of the book felt a little bogged down with the sheer amount of research information and sources, but once I made it past that, this became a very enjoyable read. The rest of this piece feels partly like an informational text and part biographical retelling of a very important period of world history. I loved the insight shared about other leaders like Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Petion, and Toussaint Louverture, to name a few. We also got a look into their families and how the leadership decisions made by these men could easily have long-lasting and sometimes detrimental effects on them. There were so many obstacles created for these men to overcome to achieve and maintain the freedom of their people, that it is a wonder that they even managed as much as they did. The levels of betrayals, physical and psychological warfare that occurred among the leaders of the revolution, and the colonizing nations are truly astounding. A friend today could be an enemy tomorrow and an ally the following day.
I made so many highlights while reading, and I know that there will be new things to pay attention to on a re-read. This is definitely one of those books that I intend to keep and pass down to future generations. There is so much great information contained within these pages, and I'm super happy to own a physical copy. It's definitely one of the best books I read all month and for the year this far.
July 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for letting me read this as an advanced reader copy.
Like The Last Tsar: The Abdication of Nicholas II and the Fall of the Romanovs, this book was written by an author who clearly knows her stuff. The problem that arises from both books is that they go to so many lengths to prove that they know so much about the subject, it reads less and less like a book about someone who I have never heard of and would want to know more of and more of a historical dissertation that lasts over 500 pages in text.
I feel that including 5 pages to prove or disprove the date of Henry Christophe's date of birth seemed a bit too much, and the first 3 or 4 chapters really could have been condensed in to 1 or 2 to set the stage and then gotten to the meat of the book.
Overall, a too detailed book that ruined any interest I had in finding out about the life of Mr. Christophe and whether or not he deserves the condemnation he has gotten in the past
Like The Last Tsar: The Abdication of Nicholas II and the Fall of the Romanovs, this book was written by an author who clearly knows her stuff. The problem that arises from both books is that they go to so many lengths to prove that they know so much about the subject, it reads less and less like a book about someone who I have never heard of and would want to know more of and more of a historical dissertation that lasts over 500 pages in text.
I feel that including 5 pages to prove or disprove the date of Henry Christophe's date of birth seemed a bit too much, and the first 3 or 4 chapters really could have been condensed in to 1 or 2 to set the stage and then gotten to the meat of the book.
Overall, a too detailed book that ruined any interest I had in finding out about the life of Mr. Christophe and whether or not he deserves the condemnation he has gotten in the past
December 31, 2025
One of my favorite books this year. It’s a thoroughly detailed analysis of Henry Christophe’s life in Hayti before, during, and after the Haitian Revolution. She answers a lot of questions I’ve had about Christophe. She clears away a lot of the noise and nonsense thrown around about Christophe, as well as the Haitian Revolution in general. If you want a thorough analysis of King Henri Christophe, this will be the only book you’ll ever need. It’s long, but if you’re into history and want to take a deep dive into the Haitian Revolution and/or Henry Christophe, this is your book. 6/5 🌟
April 19, 2025
1. This was an extremely well-researched book. You can tell that from page one. The problem with this is that you get A LOT of information, with a lot of it not actually pertaining to Henry Christophe and his life and reign. The deep-dive into Saint Domingue/Haiti was very interesting [and I learned quite a bit outside of what I already knew; the slave revolts and France later wanting to reinstate slavery, especially in the Caribbean islands - somehow I missed how the first and last king of Haiti was right in the middle of all of that], but when it was just the history [without anything to do with Henry Christophe], it bogged down quickly. There was also quite a bit of jumping around and that got confusing pretty quickly [as did all the French names and how some of them had the SAME name!! Kudos to the narrator of this book; his French was impeccable and made the experience that much better for it].
2. Much of this book, I am sorry to say, was above my pay-grade. I am a huge history lover and have read nonfiction extensively and I both love it and gravitate towards it almost instinctively, but this taxed even my history-loving brain [and my education level]. This is hard-core academia, and as I am not an academic, I did struggle with some of this. Also, about 70% of this was pretty dull/boring for me [again, the academic-level of this book bogged down much of it for me], and I struggled daily to get excited to pick this up to read. That said, the other 30% of it was freaking amazing, with the craziest story you have never read, and that for me, is wher the author ealy came alive with her writing, and it was because of these moments, I kept reading. By the end, I really wished that the whole book had been that way for me.
If you are [or were] an academic, OR if you have a bigger pay-grade than I, then this book will hit all the marks for you as a history reader. Otherwise, I will have to say that unless you are willing to slog through for that 30% of excellence [the last 3 chapters were 100% stellar], this book just might now be for you. I am not sorry I read it because I DID learn some really interesting stuff about things I had never heard of before, I just wish it had been a better reading experience for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marlene L. Daut, Don Elivert - Narrator, and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor/Knopf for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2. Much of this book, I am sorry to say, was above my pay-grade. I am a huge history lover and have read nonfiction extensively and I both love it and gravitate towards it almost instinctively, but this taxed even my history-loving brain [and my education level]. This is hard-core academia, and as I am not an academic, I did struggle with some of this. Also, about 70% of this was pretty dull/boring for me [again, the academic-level of this book bogged down much of it for me], and I struggled daily to get excited to pick this up to read. That said, the other 30% of it was freaking amazing, with the craziest story you have never read, and that for me, is wher the author ealy came alive with her writing, and it was because of these moments, I kept reading. By the end, I really wished that the whole book had been that way for me.
If you are [or were] an academic, OR if you have a bigger pay-grade than I, then this book will hit all the marks for you as a history reader. Otherwise, I will have to say that unless you are willing to slog through for that 30% of excellence [the last 3 chapters were 100% stellar], this book just might now be for you. I am not sorry I read it because I DID learn some really interesting stuff about things I had never heard of before, I just wish it had been a better reading experience for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marlene L. Daut, Don Elivert - Narrator, and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor/Knopf for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2025
Henry Christophe, THE FIRST AND LAST KING OF HAITI, is a figure of immense historical significance, yet one that often remains in the shadows. Born enslaved in 1767, he rose to play a pivotal military role during the Haitian Revolution, leading to the country's independence from France. His journey saw him rule as president of the State of Haiti and eventually the king of Northern Haiti in March of 1811.
The book, a testament to Daut's scholarly prowess, is a rich tapestry of historical research and accessible storytelling. Her in-depth, impeccable, and thorough research, citing numerous sources such as letters, proclamations, and memoirs, adds a layer of authenticity that is both enlightening and engaging. It presents the story of an idealistic man ensnared in the manipulations of imperial powers, determined to dismantle the first independent black nation in the western hemisphere. The vivid descriptions of the historical period transport you to the heart of the turbulent times, stimulating your intellect and engaging your senses. I liked the summaries at the beginning of each chapter, which gave you an overview of what was coming.
This review is based on an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor. I was grateful for the opportunity to delve into Marlene Daut's work and learn more about Henry Christophe and the early history of Haiti. Thank you, Marlene Daut, for this enlightening experience!
The book, a testament to Daut's scholarly prowess, is a rich tapestry of historical research and accessible storytelling. Her in-depth, impeccable, and thorough research, citing numerous sources such as letters, proclamations, and memoirs, adds a layer of authenticity that is both enlightening and engaging. It presents the story of an idealistic man ensnared in the manipulations of imperial powers, determined to dismantle the first independent black nation in the western hemisphere. The vivid descriptions of the historical period transport you to the heart of the turbulent times, stimulating your intellect and engaging your senses. I liked the summaries at the beginning of each chapter, which gave you an overview of what was coming.
This review is based on an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor. I was grateful for the opportunity to delve into Marlene Daut's work and learn more about Henry Christophe and the early history of Haiti. Thank you, Marlene Daut, for this enlightening experience!
December 16, 2025
It took me a long time to get through it, but reading The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe by Marlene L. Daut was so worth it. Daut is one of the most respected historians of Haiti and demonstrates her talents in this narrative. She walks us through the sources and the lack of sources at times.
If I were still teaching, I would assign this book in a graduate course and parts of it for undergrads. Since I'm no longer teaching, what I will say is that it's great for those who already read history nonfiction. But I would work my way up to this type of work if I were new to reading history. The story is fascinating and complex, but Daut is clearly talking to scholars during key parts.
If you're not quite ready for this one, I highly suggest Queen of Exiles by Vanessa Riley, which takes the same history in fiction and through the eyes of Queen Marie-Louise Christophe. Riley gets so much right in this book, and it's so worth it for anyone trying to read more about Haiti.
I received a free copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and this is not a paid post.
If I were still teaching, I would assign this book in a graduate course and parts of it for undergrads. Since I'm no longer teaching, what I will say is that it's great for those who already read history nonfiction. But I would work my way up to this type of work if I were new to reading history. The story is fascinating and complex, but Daut is clearly talking to scholars during key parts.
If you're not quite ready for this one, I highly suggest Queen of Exiles by Vanessa Riley, which takes the same history in fiction and through the eyes of Queen Marie-Louise Christophe. Riley gets so much right in this book, and it's so worth it for anyone trying to read more about Haiti.
I received a free copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and this is not a paid post.
April 15, 2025
This book is a comprehensive biography of Henry Christophe, the King of Haiti, but it offers much more than just his life story. It explores the diverse characters involved in the Haitian Revolution, including traitors, revolutionaries, priests, soldiers, and generals.
Although centered on Henry Christophe, the narrative incorporates the perspectives and insights of many other key figures, making up a significant part of the text. It serves as an invaluable resource, providing an in-depth look at the conditions and dynamics of the Haitian Revolution, with a focus on prominent leaders such as Dessalines, Toussaint, Henry Christophe, Pétion, and Boyer.
Having read works by C. L. R. James and Phillipe Girard on Toussaint Louverture, I find that this book offers the most detailed and granular view of the Haitian Revolution. It includes various perspectives and writings from key figures involved both before and after the revolution. While dense and lengthy, Marlene Daut's work provides an unparalleled level of inspection and analysis of the Haitian Revolution.
Although centered on Henry Christophe, the narrative incorporates the perspectives and insights of many other key figures, making up a significant part of the text. It serves as an invaluable resource, providing an in-depth look at the conditions and dynamics of the Haitian Revolution, with a focus on prominent leaders such as Dessalines, Toussaint, Henry Christophe, Pétion, and Boyer.
Having read works by C. L. R. James and Phillipe Girard on Toussaint Louverture, I find that this book offers the most detailed and granular view of the Haitian Revolution. It includes various perspectives and writings from key figures involved both before and after the revolution. While dense and lengthy, Marlene Daut's work provides an unparalleled level of inspection and analysis of the Haitian Revolution.
April 7, 2025
I loved this book, it's full of particulars but it feels like an indulgence rather than tedium. Daut takes up some of the florid writing style of the age which is very fun and left me wanting even more details. It's the first book I've read about Haiti and the region, and because it's much more a history of Christophe than Haiti (entwined as they are) I'll need a more general history of the region and its people to better appreciate this book, which is largely sympathetic to Christophe at least in contrast to the other characters on the scene.
Don Elivert does an excellent reading, the many quotations are made clear without sounding forced. His pronunciation of the French words and names is heavily English accented which could annoy some listeners. I listened to most of it at 1.5-2.5x, though unfamiliar words and phrases sometimes made 1.5x too fast for me.
Don Elivert does an excellent reading, the many quotations are made clear without sounding forced. His pronunciation of the French words and names is heavily English accented which could annoy some listeners. I listened to most of it at 1.5-2.5x, though unfamiliar words and phrases sometimes made 1.5x too fast for me.
January 14, 2025
Interesting ...is what I thought when reading the blurb. It has a lot of historical data and facts. But it felt too historical and read as gathering the facts instead of a steady reading flow. Which made it difficult to keep my interest. The efforts put in to bring this to light were good though.
January 17, 2025
Very good. Very dense... almost to the point of distraction. Daut is an exceptional researcher and has looked at this subject from every angle using every possible resource. It's a lot. I'm glad I got through this, but it's not (for me anyway) the kind of book that I will re-read.
Read
May 8, 2025Had to DNF. I felt like I was learning more about Haiti's history and other people and not Henri Christophe. This book was detailed to a fault that Christophe became a background character to his own biography smh
January 13, 2026
A through and deep dive into a hidden and forgotten history of the life of Henri Christophe, King of Haiti, 1767-1820. Born into slavery, he rose to become a leader and revolutionary impact on the ravages of slavery and helped beyond what others deemed impossible.
March 13, 2025
Your book cover is absolutely incredible, striking, stunning, blossoming, attractive cover design,
Do you Designed them yourself?
Do you Designed them yourself?
March 25, 2025
took a long time to read because it was way more than just a biography of Henry Christophe; maybe should have been split into 3 or 4 books
June 23, 2025
A thorough biography of a man who went from rebel, traitor, and only king of Haiti.
July 2, 2025
Interesting glimpse into a close but distant neighbor.
July 11, 2025
What a good book felt like I was actually in Christophe’s shoes
August 13, 2025
A very good biography of the only king of Haiti.
January 26, 2026
The man was a man of his times; a amazing read.
August 18, 2025
An important, yet also disappointing read. I recommended it to a friend, but also recommended she skip the first 3 and last 3 chapters. Daut’s is an excellent piece of scholarship on singular people & events appallingly absent from today’s conception of modern history. It disappoints because few people will read her compelling takedown of racist colonialism and grandiose personal ambition because they simply can’t parse the needle from the haystack of (willfully?) unconnected facts.
Daut has the most material to work from during 1790 - 1810 when Louverture, Christophe, Dessaline, and other Haitian generals are corresponding frequently with each other, French commanders, and the leaders of the French colonial establishment. Their own words provide the context needed to evaluate their conflicted loyalties to each other, the French military, and ultimately the Haitian populace. Daut quotes primary sources to indict French commanders for the atrocities they personally perpetrated on Haitian civilians, record of which is nearly nonexistent on the English language internet. Who knew the son of the compte de Rochambeau - a celebrated American Revolutionary War hero - developed the world’s first gas chambers and threw opulent parties to rape women as they watched their husbands die all as part of a sickening extermination campaign?
Daut is weaker when her sources refuse to draw conclusions for her. There is no record of Christophe’s existence prior to the Haitian revolutionary period - not unexpected given his uncertain legal status on the island. But instead Daut douses us with a torrent of facts about Caribbean slave life and participation in the American war of independence generally… which just doesn’t hang together without the editorializing and guiding narrative a journalist or biographer would provide. Not so for academics. And this is coming from someone who read hundreds of non-essential pages on imperial Russian history as part of an Alexandra Kollontai biography just because Cathy Porter made it flipping compelling.
In the end, my understanding of Christophe himself is in fact weaker without more of Daut’s guidance on how to interpret his complicated legacy. One line of commentary she does insert toward the book’s end is just the start of a discussion that would have been so interesting to explore further: “Christophe’s dream to rule over a free and prosperous land was at war with his means in a world of slavery and colonialism. [Various threats] made governing Haiti complicated. The king’s rule was full of all kinds of contradictions. But the end of Christophe’s reign resulted in a far less sovereign Haiti than the one King Henry left behind.”
Daut has the most material to work from during 1790 - 1810 when Louverture, Christophe, Dessaline, and other Haitian generals are corresponding frequently with each other, French commanders, and the leaders of the French colonial establishment. Their own words provide the context needed to evaluate their conflicted loyalties to each other, the French military, and ultimately the Haitian populace. Daut quotes primary sources to indict French commanders for the atrocities they personally perpetrated on Haitian civilians, record of which is nearly nonexistent on the English language internet. Who knew the son of the compte de Rochambeau - a celebrated American Revolutionary War hero - developed the world’s first gas chambers and threw opulent parties to rape women as they watched their husbands die all as part of a sickening extermination campaign?
Daut is weaker when her sources refuse to draw conclusions for her. There is no record of Christophe’s existence prior to the Haitian revolutionary period - not unexpected given his uncertain legal status on the island. But instead Daut douses us with a torrent of facts about Caribbean slave life and participation in the American war of independence generally… which just doesn’t hang together without the editorializing and guiding narrative a journalist or biographer would provide. Not so for academics. And this is coming from someone who read hundreds of non-essential pages on imperial Russian history as part of an Alexandra Kollontai biography just because Cathy Porter made it flipping compelling.
In the end, my understanding of Christophe himself is in fact weaker without more of Daut’s guidance on how to interpret his complicated legacy. One line of commentary she does insert toward the book’s end is just the start of a discussion that would have been so interesting to explore further: “Christophe’s dream to rule over a free and prosperous land was at war with his means in a world of slavery and colonialism. [Various threats] made governing Haiti complicated. The king’s rule was full of all kinds of contradictions. But the end of Christophe’s reign resulted in a far less sovereign Haiti than the one King Henry left behind.”
January 16, 2025
Whoa that was a lot of information all at once! I knew very little of Haitian history and knew nothing of Henry Christophe but it was a very interesting and informative read. As I stated before, we should not have monarchies in the world as they tend to never end well for the ruler and they're just not necessary. Christophe started out as a boy born into slavery in the Caribbean but gained power through various points in his life to become the only king of Haiti. As with any historical book, there are lots of gruesome deaths (beheadings), coups, and backstabbing by people who one thinks are their friends. You can tell the author did their homework for sure but it was almost too much info to take in. It was a good read overall though.
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