Napoleon: A Life

Napoleon Bonaparte ranks among history’s military geniuses. He rose to the top of the French army by the time he was in his mid-twenties, and became Emperor by thirty-five. More than just a military force, he was also a fiercely devoted to his family, as well as being sensitive and artistic, characteristics that influenced his domestic and foreign policy, even as a conquering emperor. Napoleon: A Life is a comprehensive biography that integrates the many aspects of this complex man.

The book is exceedingly detailed and extensively researched. It follows Napoleon from birth through his career, politics, final defeat, and demise, and paints a portrait that draws from Napoleon’s own letters and writings, many of which have only recently been made public. It is encyclopedic, but eminently readable and fascinating, turning from military focus to love and personal life in perfect synthesis. Roberts explains the political turmoil of the time, while showing how Bonaparte’s genius and leadership made him among the greatest leaders of all time. He clearly loves his subject, but writes without blind adulation; instead, he offers meaningful and measured analysis. It is a nuanced, detailed picture of a compelling subject, and an ambitious task well-realized in this excellent, riveting book.