Napoleon Bonaparte

by Alan Schom
Napoleon Bonaparte cover
Good Books rating 3.87
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 6780
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9780060929589
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published: 1998-08-26
  • Reviews: 3

This definitive biography delves into the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, chronicling his journey from a modest upbringing in Corsica to becoming one of history's most powerful leaders. It explores his military genius, personal struggles, and the intricate web of relationships that shaped his career, including his interactions with key figures like Talleyrand, Wellington, and Josephine. The book provides a comprehensive examination of his battlefield victories, his titanic ego, and the political maneuvers that led to his dizzying rise and eventual downfall. /n/n Beyond the battles and political intrigue, the biography offers a deep dive into the personal torments and complexities of Napoleon's character. It examines his relationships with the French government and the impact of his actions on the world stage. This consummate biography is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the man behind the legend, offering a nuanced portrait of a figure who continues to fascinate historians and enthusiasts alike.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2023-01-01
excellent 3.80

The book is well-written and well-referenced, providing a balanced depth of characterisation. It offers a comprehensive understanding of Napoleon's life and times.

This reviewer found the book to be extremely well-written and thoroughly researched. They appreciated the balanced portrayal of key individuals and the depth of characterisation, which provided a comprehensive understanding of Napoleon's life and times. The reviewer had little prior knowledge of Napoleon but found the book to be an excellent introduction. They particularly enjoyed the detailed references and the way the book balanced different perspectives.

Quick quotes

    This book is extremely well written, well referenced and balances well the depth of characterisation of key individuals.

    I had very little knowledge of Napoleon. This book is extremely well written, well referenced and balances well the depth of characterisation of key individuals.

    This book is extremely well written, well referenced and balances well the depth of characterisation of key individuals.

Amazon · 2023-01-01
interesting 4.30

The book is well-researched and detailed, offering an interesting perspective on historical circumstances. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Napoleon's life.

This reviewer found the book to be extremely well-researched and detailed, offering an interesting perspective on how historical circumstances can shape individuals. They appreciated the comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Napoleon's life, which provided a deeper understanding of the man and his times. The reviewer noted that the book is yet another example of how circumstances in history can throw up the wrong man at the wrong time, highlighting the complexities of Napoleon's character and legacy.

Quick quotes

    What an interesting book. Yet another example of how circumstances in history throw up the wrong man at the wrong time.

    Extremely well researched and detailed.

    What an interesting book. Yet another example of how circumstances in history throw up the wrong man at the wrong time.

The New York Times · Gildea · 1997-11-23
nuanced 3.50

The young Napoleon is portrayed as diminutive, a loner, bullied at school and with a chip on his shoulder. He is irascible, jealous, too egotistical to love.

This reviewer found the book to be a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Napoleon's life, highlighting his complex character and the circumstances that shaped him. They appreciated the detailed and well-researched nature of the book, which provided a deeper understanding of Napoleon's life and times. The reviewer noted that the book is yet another example of how historical circumstances can shape individuals, offering an interesting perspective on the man and his legacy.

Quick quotes

    The young Napoleon is portrayed as diminutive, a loner, bullied at school and with a chip on his shoulder.

    He is irascible, jealous, too egotistical to love.

    The young Napoleon is portrayed as diminutive, a loner, bullied at school and with a chip on his shoulder.

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