MÓRICZ BENYOVSZKY: “KING” OF MADAGASCAR

Adventurer, explorer, colonizer, writer—Móricz Benyovszky’s life story is so fantastic it almost reads as fiction. On May 29^th at the Hungarian Cultural Center, lecturer György G. Németh (President of the Hungarian–Madagascarian Friendship Association) presents the latest in Benyovszky scholarship with a never-before-published volume of Benyovszky’s memoirs. The presentation includes a book launch, talk, and a 10-minute film about Benyovszky shot in Madagascar.

His adventures were recounted in verse. Works on Móricz Benyovszky are still found today in European literature and films. He was the dashing Hungarian count who was a Polish freedom fighter. The Tsar exiled him to Kamchatka from where he boldly escaped. And, perhaps most famously, Benyovszky’s adventures took him to Madagascar, where he was elected “king” by the tribal chiefs, drafted some form of constitution, and set up a “government”. French archives paint a striking picture of Benyovszky, recognizing his talent, daring, military courage and the great influence he had on others, yet also regarding him as a braggart, dreamer, swindler, and opportunistic adventurer. One thing is certain: the activity of the count and his adventurous life were widely known at that time all across Europe through his numerous books. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Hungarian–Madagascarian Friendship Association, we now have an English language version of these writings so that contemporary English speakers can have the same opportunity to read about this exceptional life.

About the Book

For centuries Benyovszky’s diary—written from 1772-1776 to the French King Louis XV regarding his activities in Madagascar—lay in the archives of the Royal Library in London, unavailable to the general public. After years of effort, György G. Németh, with the Budapest National Széchenyi Library, have completed a beautiful reproduction in French and Hungarian, replete with detailed maps and etchings from the original manuscript. The volume received high praise at the Frankfurt International Book Show and in 2005 was the recipient of the Best Presented Book of the Year Award in Hungary. The first English version will have its international premiere at the Hungarian Cultural Center on May 29^th.

About the Presenter

György G. Németh is President of the Hungarian–Madagascarian Friendship Association.

Zsolt Vajna, a member of the association, will participate as interpreter.

Find out more on Benyovszky at www.benyoszky.hu