Napoleon in Egypt

by Paul Strathern
Napoleon in Egypt cover
Good Books rating 4.08
History
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  • ID: 6781
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781844139170
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Paul Strathern delves into the remarkable story of Napoleon's Egyptian expedition, a daring venture that lasted 18 months and was driven by the young general's aspirations of world power. This period marked a significant chapter in Napoleon's life, filled with strategic maneuvers, cultural encounters, and the pursuit of imperial ambitions. /n/n The book explores not only the military aspects of the campaign but also the political and personal motivations behind Napoleon's actions. Strathern's narrative provides a vivid account of the challenges and triumphs faced by Napoleon and his army, offering insights into the man behind the legend and the impact of this adventure on his future endeavors.

Reviews
Historical Novel Society · 2025-12-05
fascinating 4.50

The book is praised for its fascinating and superbly written account of Napoleon's failed attempt to conquer Egypt. It is considered an engaging and well-researched historical narrative.

This review highlights the book's ability to captivate readers with its detailed and compelling narrative of Napoleon's expedition to Egypt. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the engaging storytelling, making it a standout historical account. They emphasize how the book brings to life the complexities and futility of Napoleon's ambitions, providing a rich and immersive reading experience. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to make historical events feel immediate and relevant, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    An endlessly fascinating and superbly written history of Napoleon's futile attempt to conquer an eastern empire in 1798.

    The book brings to life the complexities and futility of Napoleon's ambitions.

    A rich and immersive reading experience.

A Question of Scale · 2015-04-29
rich 4.75

The book is described as remarkably rich and eminently readable, living up to its dust-jacket hype. It is praised for its detailed and engaging account of Napoleon's campaign in Egypt.

This review highlights the book's ability to live up to its high expectations, describing it as remarkably rich and eminently readable. The reviewer appreciates the detailed and engaging narrative, which provides a comprehensive account of Napoleon's campaign in Egypt. They note that the book's storytelling abilities make it a compelling read, and its thorough research adds depth to the historical account. The reviewer also praises the book's ability to bring historical events to life, making it a standout work in the genre.

Quick quotes

    In a rare instance of books living up to dust-jacket hype, Paul Strathern's book is indeed 'remarkably rich and eminently readable.'

    A detailed and engaging account of Napoleon's campaign in Egypt.

    A compelling read with thorough research and engaging storytelling.

The Christian Science Monitor · 2008-10-30
critical 3.00

The book is criticized for downplaying some of the more unpleasant aspects of Napoleon's campaign in Egypt. Despite this, it is acknowledged as a well-written and informative historical account.

This review points out some of the book's shortcomings, particularly its tendency to gloss over the more unsavory details of Napoleon's actions in Egypt. However, the reviewer still recognizes the book's strengths, such as its engaging narrative and thorough research. They suggest that while the book may not provide a fully balanced perspective, it is still a valuable contribution to the historical literature on Napoleon's campaigns. The reviewer also notes that the book's storytelling abilities make it an enjoyable read, despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    "Napoleon in Egypt" suffers from some unfortunate flaws.

    Strathern's tendancy to play down the more unpalatable aspects of the campaign.

    A well-written and informative historical account.

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