Book Reviews
Is another long life of Napoleon really necessary? On three counts, the answer given by Andrew Roberts’s impressive book is an emphatic yes. The most important is that this is the first single-volume general biography to make full use of the treasure trove of Napoleon’s 33,000-odd letters, which began being published in Paris only in 2004. Second, Roberts, who has previously written on Napoleon and Wellington, is a masterly analyst of the French emperor’s many battles. Third, his book is beautifully written and a pleasure to read.
Economist
[E]xamines Napoleon Bonaparte’s life and times in excruciating detail, leaving out little.... Roberts writes, describing his coronation as Emperor of France as “a defining moment” of the Enlightenment.... This is a definitive account that dispels many of the myths that surrounded Napoleon from his lifetime to the present day.
Publishers Weekly
(Starred review.) The author doesn't apologize for Napoleon's errors but the tone of his study is positive: Napoleon "personified the best parts of the French Revolution." ... Verdict: This voluminous work is likely to set the standard for subsequent accounts of Napoleon's life. It should appeal widely to readers of all types. —David Keymer, Modesto, CA
Library Journal
Napoleon: A Life (Roberts) - Book Reviews
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