Napoleon

Breathtaking. The best and certainly the most original scholar writing in this field writing in English. Broers succeeds admirably." Stimulating and genuinely innovative. The great strength of Broers s book arises from its detail, empathy and even-handedness. He draws extensively on the newly edited volumes of Napoleon s Correspondence Generale, as well as the thinking of numerous contemporary scholars, whom he generously acknowledges. He presents his information clearly and sometimes even lyrically, though his pages nonetheless demand close attention. This is a serious work, the product of reflection as well as research befitting a distinguished professor of Western European History at Oxford.--Michael Dirda" A fresh and highly intelligent look at Napoleon. Relying heavily on a newly released body of Napoleon Bonaparte s personal correspondence, Oxford historian Broers Napoleon s Other War) brings Napoleon to the brink of mastery of Europe in this first of two projected volumes." Breathtaking. The best--and certainly the most original--scholar writing in this field writing in English. Broers succeeds admirably. Does an excellent job of delineating the emotional and intellectual development of the Corsican general-turned-French emperor. Offers a wonderful sense of the genius--and man--who was so stunningly able to remake European boundaries and mores after the meltdown from the French Revolution. Among the plethora of Napoleon biographies, this is immensely engaging for lay readers. The great strength of Broers's book arises from its detail, empathy and even-handedness. He draws extensively on the newly edited volumes of Napoleon's 'Correspondence Generale, ' as well as the thinking of numerous contemporary scholars, whom he generously acknowledges. He presents his information clearly and sometimes even lyrically, though his pages nonetheless demand close attention. This is a serious work, the product of reflection as well as research befitting a distinguished professor of Western European History at Oxford.--Michael Dirda Scholars, Francophiles, and lovers of military history will welcome this comprehensive yet highly readable narrative of the life and times of Napoleon Bonaparte--the first in any language to make use of new archival material currently being compiled by the Foundation Napoleon in Paris. Rooted in the most recent secondary scholarship, the narrative is enriched with maps, images, and lithographs. Highly recommended for general readers and scholars alike. Broers delivers a well-told story full of action and insight, with the added power of Napoleon's own words.