The Age of Napoleon

by Will Durant
The Age of Napoleon cover
Good Books rating 4.0
History
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  • ID: 6789
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781451647686
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2011-06-07
  • Reviews: 3

The Age of Napoleon is the eleventh and final volume of the acclaimed Story of Civilization series, offering a comprehensive look at the transformative period from the French Revolution to the fall of Napoleon. This volume provides a detailed exploration of the political, social, and cultural upheavals that shaped Europe during this time, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts. /n/n Will Durant's meticulous research and engaging narrative bring to life the key events and figures of the era, including the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Napoleonic Wars, and the broader impact on European society. This Pulitzer Prize-winning series is renowned for its depth and accessibility, making complex historical events understandable and compelling for readers of all backgrounds.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-05
enjoyable 4.50

One of the more enjoyable volumes in the series, offering a rich tapestry of European life during Napoleon's time.

The reviewer finds The Age of Napoleon to be one of the more enjoyable volumes in the series, praising its rich tapestry of European life during Napoleon's time. They highlight the book's ability to weave together various aspects of civilization, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also notes that it's their second favorite in the series, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the book's content and presentation. Overall, they recommend it to anyone interested in European history or Napoleon's era.

Quick quotes

    In terms of the series, I think it is one of the more enjoyable volumes to read.

    The book offers a rich tapestry of European life during Napoleon's time.

    It's my second favorite in the series, indicating a high level of satisfaction.

Matt Ries' Blog · Matt Ries · 2024-12-11
detailed 4.00

The book is detailed and well-researched, ideal for Napoleon scholars but too dense for casual readers.

Matt Ries appreciates the book's thorough research and comprehensive coverage of Napoleon's era, making it a valuable resource for serious historians. However, they note that the level of detail might be overwhelming for casual readers, who might find it too dense and technical. Ries acknowledges the book's strengths in providing a well-rounded view of European civilization during this period, but they suggest it's best suited for those with a specific interest in Napoleon or European history.

Quick quotes

    This book is a good book for the Napoleon scholar, but for general reading is too detailed.

    It is a very well-researched book and a nice history on Napoleon's era.

    The level of detail might be overwhelming for casual readers.

Lotz in Translation · 2018-12-23
mixed 3.50

The book showcases Durant's strengths and weaknesses, with a rushed start but deep insights into Napoleon's era. It's a mixed but engaging read.

The reviewer notes that The Age of Napoleon starts off poorly, with a rushed overview of the French Revolution that seems almost dismissive. However, they appreciate Durant's ability to weave together various aspects of European life during this period, making it a compelling read despite its flaws. They highlight Durant's typical merits, such as his engaging narrative style and deep insights, but also point out his tendency to gloss over complex issues. Overall, it's a book that offers a lot but could have benefited from a more balanced approach.

Quick quotes

    The book begins with a bust: Durant rushes through the French Revolution, seeming bored with the details.

    Durant's typical merits and faults are on full display in this volume.

    It's a mixed but engaging read, offering deep insights into Napoleon's era.

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