Known as Monsieur de Saint-George—though often referred to as "Black Mozart," the "Voltaire of Music," the "Black Don Juan," or, because of his origins, "The American"—Joseph Bologne is finally emerging from two centuries of neglect to be hailed as one of the most remarkable figures of the eighteenth century. Incredibly, this son of a slave rose to the top of French society through his mastery of fencing and classical music. In MONSIEUR DE SAINT-GEORGE: "The American", Alain Guede presents the first full biography of this pioneer composer. MONSIEUR DE SAINT-GEORGE is perfect reading for anyone wishing to learn about a largely unknown and truly remarkable figure in Black History.

"[Monsieur de Saint-George] is the most accomplished Man in Europe in Riding, Running, Shooting, Fencing, Dancing, Musick." Such is the description of Saint-George given by John Adams, second President of the United States, in his diary on May 17, 1779. His life is the stuff of legend: born in Guadeloupe in 1739 of a slave mother and a French noble father, Saint-George became the finest swordsman of his age, a dancer, an insider at the court of The Sun King, and, most notably, an accomplished musician whose compositions rivaled those of his contemporaries, Haydn and Mozart.

MONSIEUR DE SAINT-GEORGE also details this extraordinary man's astonishing political and military careers. The first Freemason of color, Saint-George was also the first black colonel in the French Army, leading the Saint-George Legion of 1,000 black volunteers during the French Revolution. Saint-George embraced the Revolution with the belief that it would end the racism which, despite his illustrious achievements, he struggled against his entire life.

This biography presents the staggering paradoxes and wonder attendant on the story of this true genius—the struggles, the meteoric rise to fame, and the two-century-long disappearance into obscurity of "famous Saint-George." Rediscovering this individual as well as giving us a vibrant feel for the range, accomplishment, and beauty of his music—which at long last is being played to growing acclaim around the world—MONSIEUR DE SAINT-GEORGE: "The American" does justice to an exemplary and extraordinary life.

About The Author
Alain Guede is a journalist for the French newspaper Le Canard enchaine. In addition to this biography, Guede has created a website, www.saint-george.fr.st, that follows developments in the rediscovery of Saint-George's life and music.

The American
By Alain Guede
Translated By Gilda M. Roberts
Publisher: Picador
ISBN: 0-312-31028-5
Price: $15.00