Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 193

# Catalog Note

"The Man in Red: The Ghost of the Old Guard" is a serialized historical adventure story by Captain Frederick Whittaker, published in Beadle & Adams's weekly pulp magazine (July 5, 1882). Set during Napoleon's 1809 campaign against Austria, the narrative follows a mysterious supernatural figure dressed entirely in red who appears to Napoleon at his Vienna encampment, claiming to be his creator and master. The apparition, whom Roustan (Napoleon's Mameluke guard) recognizes from previous appearances before Austerlitz, Jena, and Tilsit, prophesies Napoleon's eventual downfall and exile, warning of a seventh year of chained captivity. The episode culminates in the supernatural visitor vanishing when seized. The story then shifts to spring 1810 Fontainebleau, following Napoleon's victory at Wagram and remarriage to Marie Louise. The narrative blends historical setting with gothic supernaturalism, chronicling the Emperor's encounters with this ominous phantom figure.