Adventures of War: Napoleon's Soldier, Ernest Kallmann, 1808-1813
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Ernest Kallmann, Françoise Lyon-Caen, Jakob Meyer, soldat de Napoléon. Mes aventures de guerre, 1808-1813
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: Traduction et présentation. Paris, Éditions Autrement, coll. « Mémoires/Histoire au singulier » no 150, 2009, 95 p.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Joëlle Allouche-Benayoun
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Ernest Kallmann, Françoise Lyon-Caen, Jakob Meyer, soldat de Napoléon. Mes aventures de guerre, 1808-1813
Year: 2012 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.24614
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The text discusses the book "Jakob Meyer, soldat de Napoléon. Mes aventures de guerre, 1808-1813," translated and presented by Ernest Kallmann and Françoise Lyon-Caen. This work provides a first-person account of Jakob Meyer, a Jewish soldier who served in Napoleon's army, offering readers a glimpse into his experiences during the campaigns in Spain and Russia. Written over twenty years after the events, the book not only recounts Meyer's military adventures but also situates his story within the broader historical and social contexts of his time.
The Complexity of Identity
One significant concept highlighted in Meyer's narrative is the exploration of his Jewish identity amidst the backdrop of war. Initially, Meyer’s Jewish heritage is barely mentioned; it surfaces later when he refers to his stay with a fellow Jew in Nîmes. His reflections illustrate a tension between his cultural background and his aspirations, as he navigates life away from Jewish traditions while admiring Napoleon for the emancipation of Jews in Westphalia. Throughout his experiences, he encounters solidarity among Jewish communities, which ultimately evokes a sense of gratitude, signaling an acknowledgment of his roots despite his earlier detachment from religious practices. The complexity of this relationship reveals the nuanced interplay of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage within the context of the tumultuous era.
Conclusion
Overall, the book is praised for its engaging narrative, making it a pleasure to read while providing valuable historical insights. Although it captures the essence of Jakob Meyer’s journey, there are opportunities for further elaboration, particularly in the postscript, where additional context surrounding Meyer’s life and the notes provided could enhance the reader's understanding of his legacy. The translation and presentation efforts by Kallmann and Lyon-Caen serve not only to bring this unique story to a French-speaking audience but also to contribute to the discourse surrounding Jewish soldiers in Napoleonic times, giving voice to a segment of history often overlooked.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the title of the book reviewed?
The book is titled 'Jakob Meyer, Soldier of Napoleon. My War Adventures, 1808-1813' and features the experience of a German-Jewish soldier in the Napoleonic Wars.
Who are the translators of Jakob Meyer’s memoirs?
The memoirs are translated and presented by Ernest Kallmann and Françoise Lyon-Caen, allowing French-speaking audiences to access this personal account of war.
What themes are explored in Jakob Meyer’s narrative?
Meyer’s narrative explores themes of Jewish identity, military life, and camaraderie amid the horrors of war, while detailing personal experiences during campaigns in Spain and Russia.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Adventures of War: Napoleon's Soldier, Ernest Kallmann, 1808-1813”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Soldier:
In this narrative, the soldier Jakob Meyer represents the experiences of a combatant in Napoleon's army, sharing vivid descriptions of his adventures and hardships faced during the military campaigns, highlighting the life of a soldier during that historical period.
2) Religion:
Religion appears subtly in the text, particularly through Jakob Meyer's identity as a Jewish soldier. It shapes his relationships and experiences, emphasizing the cultural and religious solidarity he feels with fellow Jews he encounters during his travels.
3) Paris:
[see source text or glossary: #Paris#]
4) Freedom:
Freedom is explored in the narrative through Jakob's reflections on military life and personal aspirations. The influence of his English teacher instils a sense of freedom that fuels his desire to engage in the adventures of a soldier fighting for liberation.
5) Book:
The book serves as a testament to Jakob Meyer's experiences, translating and presenting a piece of history that allows readers to access his soldier's perspective through his war adventures and personal anecdotes from 1808 to 1813.
6) Young women (Young woman):
The young woman in Jakob's life, Elise, initially appears as a distant character. Over time, she becomes significant as a representation of love and connection, exemplifying the personal ties that influence the soldier's journey home.
7) Compassion:
Compassion is highlighted in Jakob's recounting of Jewish families who provide care and support during his struggles. Their compassion showcases the importance of community within the Jewish faith, reflecting on shared human experiences amidst the horrors of war.
8) Reflection:
Reflection is a theme in the text as Jakob Meyer conveys his thoughts and feelings about freedom, military life, and his Jewish identity. His reflections add depth to the narrative, allowing readers insight into a soldier's psyche during turbulent times.
9) Sensation:
Throughout his military adventures, Jakob's sensations of fear, thirst, hunger, and cold are vividly described. These sensory experiences enhance the reader's understanding of the physical and emotional challenges faced by a soldier in the field.
10) Pleasure:
Pleasure is found in Jakob's engaging storytelling and relatable emotions, which provide enjoyment for readers. As he recounts both the atrocities of war and moments of camaraderie, the narrative balances the harsh realities with reflections on pleasure and connection.
11) Identity:
Jakob's identity as a Jewish soldier is a focal point of the narrative, gradually becoming clearer as he recounts his journey. His evolving sense of identity is intertwined with his experiences, relationships, and the cultural context of the time.
12) Destiny:
Destiny plays a significant role in the narrative, as Jakob reflects on the unexpected paths his life takes while serving as a soldier. His adventures highlight the intricate interplay between personal choice and the larger historical forces at play.
13) Emotion:
Emotion is a driving force in Jakob's account, where he shares his experiences of fear, love, and camaraderie. His emotional journey connects readers to his humanity, providing an intimate glimpse into the psyche of a soldier during war.
14) Family:
Family is a recurring theme, particularly through the genealogical chart provided by the translators. Jakob's strong ties to his family, alongside his eventual marriage to Elise, underscore the importance of familial connections in shaping his identity.
15) Thirst:
Thirst symbolizes the physical struggles of a soldier on campaign. Jakob's descriptions of thirst during arduous journeys evoke the harsh conditions faced, emphasizing the challenges that soldiers endure while serving.
16) Hunger:
Hunger is another critical aspect of a soldier's life on the battlefield, depicted vividly in the text. Jakob’s accounts of hunger reveal the physical toll of war, adding to the urgency of the soldier's experiences amid conflict.
17) Murder (Murdering, Murdered):
Murder is referenced in the context of the brutalities faced by soldiers, depicting the horrors of war. Jakob's reflections on violence and the fate of captured soldiers point to the grim realities of conflict and moral ambiguity.
18) Woman (Women):
[see source text or glossary: #Woman#]
19) Light:
[see source text or glossary: #Light#]
20) Fear:
Fear is a prominent emotion in Jakob's narrative as he encounters dangerous situations and confronts the realities of war. His reflections on fear allow readers to grasp the psychological impact of being a soldier in such turbulent times.
21) Cold:
Cold characterizes the physical conditions faced by soldiers like Jakob Meyer during campaigns. His sensory descriptions of cold weather accentuate the struggles and discomfort associated with life as a soldier enduring harsh environments.
22) Love:
Love is primarily encapsulated in Jakob's relationship with Elise, showcasing a personal side to the soldier's life. Throughout his journey, themes of love highlight the connections that provide solace amidst the chaos of war.