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Napoleon: A Life Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,993 ratings

The definitive biography of the great soldier-statesman by the New York Times best-selling author of The Storm of War.

Austerlitz, Borodino, Waterloo: His battles are among the greatest in history, but Napoleon Bonaparte was far more than a military genius and astute leader of men. Like George Washington and his own hero Julius Caesar, he was one of the greatest soldier-statesmen of all times.

Andrew Roberts's Napoleon is the first one-volume biography to take advantage of the recent publication of Napoleon's thirty-three thousand letters, which radically transform our understanding of his character and motivation. At last we see him as he was: protean multitasker, decisive, surprisingly willing to forgive his enemies and his errant wife Josephine. Like Churchill, he understood the strategic importance of telling his own story, and his memoirs, dictated from exile on St. Helena, became the single best-selling book of the 19th century.

An award-winning historian, Roberts traveled to 53 of Napoleon's 60 battle sites, discovered crucial new documents in archives, and even made the long trip by boat to St. Helena. He is as acute in his understanding of politics as he is of military history. Here at last is a biography worthy of its subject: magisterial, insightful, beautifully written, by one of our foremost historians.

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Product details

Listening Length 32 hours and 56 minutes
Author Andrew Roberts
Narrator John Lee
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date November 04, 2014
Publisher Penguin Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B00OSF1O44
Best Sellers Rank #2,657 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#1 in French History (Audible Books & Originals)
#14 in Historical Biographies (Audible Books & Originals)
#22 in Biographies of Politicians

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4.6 out of 5 stars
3,993 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They praise the author's thorough research and nuanced perspective on the subject. The biography provides a comprehensive view of Napoleon's life and times. Readers appreciate the author's portrayal of his personality, behavior, and decision-making processes. The visual style is described as wonderful and depicting an iconic historical figure in a nuanced way.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

396 customers mention "Readability"336 positive60 negative

Customers find the book engaging from start to finish. They appreciate the well-written and professional narration. The book provides a comprehensive history, though some find it lengthy.

"...His capacity for knowledge, memory, and quick-thinking was truly legendary, and examples abound of his incredible memory even as late as his exile..." Read more

"...As for Napoleon's campaigns, Roberts does a fine job describing the political situation before the battle, the marches and maneuvers, as well as the..." Read more

"...system, he encouraged the arts, he commissioned many of the most remarkable buildings still glittering in Paris, he consolidated the power of France..." Read more

"...The narration was very professional and was similar to listening to a gifted lecturer. On the other hand, the Kindle provided correct spelling...." Read more

261 customers mention "Information quality"228 positive33 negative

Customers find the book provides good information about the subject. They appreciate the author's thorough research and detailed bibliography. The narrative style is engaging and brings the subject to life for readers.

"...Napoleon was an enlightened agnostic with a love of knowledge and learning and a belief in their power to do good for all humankind...." Read more

"...such as: reading a lot in history and political philosophy, being very inquisitive, hard-working, insisting on meritocracy, being interested in..." Read more

"...He redrew the map of Paris, he reformed the French educational system, he encouraged the arts, he commissioned many of the most remarkable..." Read more

"...As I will explain, I am glad that I did both. This is a lengthy detailed book that took me multiple months to read and study. It was worth it...." Read more

182 customers mention "Biography"178 positive4 negative

Customers find the biography of Napoleon Bonaparte insightful and well-written. They appreciate the detailed accounts of his battles and accompanying maps. The author's admiration for Napoleon as a military commander, lawgiver, and effective leader is expressed clearly.

"In this massive biography, Andrew Roberts has produced an epic review of Napoleon Bonaparte. He focuses on Napoleon the man rather than the myth...." Read more

"...job illustrating Napoleon's campaigns for the layman and amateur military historian, but for those that want a really detailed analysis of his..." Read more

"...On leadership, Napoleon was unique, far above accepted classifications, such as "transformative leadership."..." Read more

"“Napoleon: A Life” is a vast work that describes the life of Napoleon in great detail. I have tried to read many biographies in my life...." Read more

124 customers mention "Interest in history"124 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging from start to finish. They say it offers a comprehensive journey through Napoleon's fascinating life. The narrative provides plenty of details about battles and events, helping readers gain insights into this time period. Readers describe the story as thrilling and epic, with personal anecdotes that reveal the man behind the Emperor. Overall, they find the book informative and entertaining, providing a real understanding of this historical figure.

"...There is plenty in the narrative regarding most of the battles Napoleon took part in, usually with detail on troop movements and the units involved...." Read more

"...It covers the life of this giant of history, showcasing his monumental achievements and their impact on history, but also his flaws and..." Read more

"...the book makes good reading on a "grand adventure" and an important historic episode...." Read more

"...scope – running to more than 800 pages – and the magnitude of the drama playing out page after page...." Read more

59 customers mention "Personality"59 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides an excellent insight into the man's personality and decisions. They describe him as fascinating, unique, and a charismatic leader in Western history. Readers appreciate the clean prose and the author's ability to present the history without being biased.

"...n't published until recently, so it really does give a more detailed look at his personality...." Read more

"...starting as a raw prodigy and ending as one of the greatest military minds of world history. He was, however, far beyond only a military genius...." Read more

"...Does a good job of describing the supporting cast..." Read more

"...in the same vein that Napoleon saw himself as, one of the great individuals of history: a general, husband, emperor, and lawgiver...." Read more

54 customers mention "Visual style"54 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's visual style engaging. They appreciate the nuanced depiction of an iconic historical figure and the interesting details told in an interesting manner. The brisk, factual style with fascinating anecdotes makes the book vivid and entertainingly informative. The maps and pictures are much appreciated additions to a lucidly written text that brings an entertainingly informative experience.

"...This allows fresh glimpses of the man both at work and at play...." Read more

"...There are also numerous maps and portraits on the Kindle. For an individual such as myself, doing parallel study, the Kindle proved indispensable...." Read more

"...the Emperor's but also the personalities of those around him are colorfully and often amusingly depicted, again many times in Napoleon's own words...." Read more

"...It's a hefty tome but Roberts' engaging style keeps the pages turning...." Read more

44 customers mention "Length"21 positive23 negative

Customers have differing views on the book's length. Some find it well-researched, detailed, and epic in scale. Others feel it's too long, with some sentences being too long or unusual.

"This book is well written. Here and there sentences are too long, often unusual words show a desire to vary descriptions - both ending in mere..." Read more

"...His capacity for knowledge, memory, and quick-thinking was truly legendary, and examples abound of his incredible memory even as late as his exile..." Read more

"...I did think it was a bit long. The last chapter drug on for me, because the really exciting stuff was over...." Read more

"...It also showcases his incredible capacity for work and searing intellect...." Read more

27 customers mention "Map quality"18 positive9 negative

Customers have different views on the maps in the book. Some find them detailed and helpful, with units clearly marked. Others feel the maps lack relevance to the text and are not very good.

"...I found this part accessible and easily understood, with detailed maps marking the units helping to paint a fine picture of Napoleon's famous..." Read more

"...He redrew the map of Paris, he reformed the French educational system, he encouraged the arts, he commissioned many of the most remarkable..." Read more

"...You will find a not-oft used word in every chapter. Maps were often wanting...." Read more

"...There are also numerous maps and portraits on the Kindle. For an individual such as myself, doing parallel study, the Kindle proved indispensable...." Read more

RIDLEY SCOTT SHOULD HAVE READ THIS BOOK
5 out of 5 stars
RIDLEY SCOTT SHOULD HAVE READ THIS BOOK
The story line of Ridley Scott's movie was so blase and weak - please use your money if you really want to know what makes Napoleon tick - and Josephine tick - what compelled them to be who they are and what were the greatest fears that chased them - and read this book.The French Revolution is the evil - and Napoleon is trying to pull France out of the abyss, while saving his own neck as well - but he loves France - and please note -- Josephine was so close to death before she met Napoleon, she had been locked in a catacomb like cellar in Paris (it exists, and you can see it, beneath a church in Paris, tours at 2 pm each day oui!) and the blood of martyrs, like the nuns of Compiegne (illustration) were still on the walls. Each day she thought she'd be next. The survival instincts of Josephine must have been off the charts - she was a Patrician - and Napoleon was military, both ripe for being accused by The Ministry of Peace (that was a name of the group that cut your head off, you can't make this up). Anyway, a good read. I love Ridley by the way....some movies just don't work out. He will be back.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2017
    In this massive biography, Andrew Roberts has produced an epic review of Napoleon Bonaparte. He focuses on Napoleon the man rather than the myth. He succeeds at presenting a mostly-balanced account of his life, showing us a human being capable of inspiring immense respect and awe even 200 years after his feats. But we also see the failures of mind and body, with evidence aplenty of Napoleon’s more repulsive qualities. Overall, Roberts sees Napoleon’s contribution to history in a positive light, and this is evident throughout the book. But we also clearly see the common cliché regarding the corruptive influence power has on the mind. Even Napoleon's remarkable mind was susceptible to these influences.

    Roberts’s work is unique in that his is among the first biographies to leverage recently published primary documents that provide new windows into Napoleon and his character. This allows fresh glimpses of the man both at work and at play. What takes shape is a human being, not a God-like myth or statue with a rigid character. Napoleon, like most of us, changed throughout his life. He adhered to (or was influenced by) competing values that frequently fought one another for dominance within his mind. Who he was at 25 was very different than who he was at 40, and again at 50. The value of Roberts’s work is that it reveals the folly of casting an historical character like Napoleon in one specific light. Was he an idealistic revolutionary who believed in a society free from the prejudice and injustice of the old world? Was he a tyrannical despot who imprisoned his enemies and used war to advance his own personal interests? Casting him into molds like this is what we typically seem to do, but it simplifies what Roberts’s clearly shows is a story of far more complexity and contradiction.

    What this means is that Napoleon is too complex of a subject to summarize in a single paragraph. But a few sentences will give you an idea of the view of Napoleon through Roberts’s research. Napoleon was an enlightened agnostic with a love of knowledge and learning and a belief in their power to do good for all humankind. He was an intellectual of the highest order and was just as at home in a library as he was on a battlefield (in fact, he frequently traveled with his personal library). He adhered to enlightenment ideals blossoming during his youth that stressed liberty and merit as opposed to aristocracy and privilege. He was also a militarist, and it imbued him with discipline and courage. His capacity for knowledge, memory, and quick-thinking was truly legendary, and examples abound of his incredible memory even as late as his exile on Elba. He can relatively easily be associated with egomania and megalomania, and yet—for most of his life—he showed a capacity for self-reflection and self-criticism uncharacteristic of such a personality disorder. He displayed genuine concern for people under his charge. His staff members, as well as members of the army, are frequently quoted describing his hard work ethic but also his playful and caring attitude toward them. He was, in many ways, advanced for his time regarding social issues. He favored full equality for Jews and Protestants (indeed, all religions) and leveraged their talents. He was tolerant of homosexuality in an age where it was generally not tolerated: his veritable vice-ruler for much of his reign was Cambacérès, who was gay.

    But Napoleon’s faults are also laid bare in Roberts’s narrative. Throughout his life, he generally showed a lack of great integrity and a willingness to break rules to suit his own purposes. He clearly had a view of women that was not progressive, and did much to undermine the freedoms women gained during the Revolution. He naturally was an anxious man, and I believe that “impatience” is probably the character trait that persisted most saliently through every phase of his life. He lacked an understanding of economics, and this, more than any other mistake, was the root of his downfall (the infamous Continental System). He was not a bloodthirsty person in any sense, and his rule was very rarely characterized by repression based on terror. But he was directly responsible for needless executions on at least three occasions throughout his life, and humanity came second to victory when his army was on campaign. As caring as he could be with staff members and soldiers, he often completely lacked emotional intelligence when it came to his own family members (particularly his siblings). Here we see some of Roberts’s most vehement criticisms. Napoleon’s use of his siblings as rulers of client states defies beliefs that he long held (and fought for) regarding meritocracy, and also ignored the sheer lack of talent possessed by some of these family members.

    These kinds of ideological clashes, modeled here by Napoleon’s belief in meritocracy but pervasive practice of nepotism, illustrate what I like to call the “Napoleonic Paradox” or “Napoleonic Contradiction.” One cannot read Roberts’s work and not see the ironies presented in Napoleon’s life. There are numerous examples where beliefs and practices of one period of his life simply contradict those of other periods (or even the same period). This is not, I believe, traceable to any kind of inherent character flaw in Napoleon. Rather, it is the natural and (relatively) slow metamorphosis in a belief system over the life of a man—visible in many other famous statesmen reviewed in such a way. Roberts’s work gives us the chance to see these changes take shape. Overall, I believe it is fair to say that Napoleon’s idealistic and modest qualities began to give way to more megalomaniacal qualities after his victory at Austerlitz (1805) and especially after the Treaty of Tilsit (1807). It was here that he reached a level of power unlike any achieved by any other European for centuries. During the years of his zenith (1810-1812) and his subsequent downfall (1812-1814), we see a Napoleon generally unchecked by the modesty and reason more characteristic of his early years in power, and instead see a man corrupted by his awesome authority. But throughout all of his life, we see this war of ideals and practices vying for dominance within him. Napoleon himself does not seem to have been overtly conscious of many of these contradictions, or this war of ideas taking place in his subconscious.

    As far as Roberts’s writing style, the narrative is chronological, which makes sense for a biography and is easy to follow. Roberts does not spend much time analyzing the myriad evidence and relaying an argument to the reader. His goal, after all, is to use evidence to show Napoleon the man, providing us a deep-dish look at his successes and failures—the roundness and depth of a man. He does not have an overarching thesis he is using the evidence to prove. Some readers will love this, as it allows for the reader to form their own conclusions. Others may be frustrated that we rarely can catch our breath and read, “what does it all mean?” This isn’t to say that Roberts does not offer opinions from time to time. He defends Napoleon in many of his most controversial moments (for example, the Cadoudal-Pichegru conspiracy and the execution of the Duc d’Enghien). He also specifically identifies Napoleon’s exaggerations or outright lies, and does not shy away from criticizing his decisions (Roberts believes Napoleon only has himself to blame for the disaster in Russia in 1812 and his final defeat at Waterloo in 1815, among others).

    If you like to read about battles, oddly enough this “biography” provides a great deal of detail. There is plenty in the narrative regarding most of the battles Napoleon took part in, usually with detail on troop movements and the units involved. Lovers of military history will likely eat this up—others may find it tedious. The first group will likely be as disappointed as I was in the maps available—but this is a criticism I make of just about every military history book I review.

    Napoleon was a complex man. He lusted for greatness and was the epicenter of conflict for more than a decade. But we also see a man with good intentions, compassion, and an oft-doting father and husband. It is these stories of tenderness, combined with ones of ruthlessness, that make Roberts’s biography ultimately so effective. We are able to see Napoleon, not as an historical caricature, but as a man possessed of both awesome virtues and crippling faults. Napoleon's greatness and contribution to history is thoroughly revealed. So too are his foibles and failures. It is a story that often leaves you equal parts repulsed, impressed, and sympathetic. I can think of no possible better outcome for a biography.
    120 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2015
    In this detailed but accessible biography by Andrew Roberts, we get what is arguably the defining biography of Napoleon for our generation. It covers the life of this giant of history, showcasing his monumental achievements and their impact on history, but also his flaws and mistakes.

    Although generally a positive portrait, Roberts does not shy away from criticisms of Napoleon's conduct, such as the Jaffa massacre or the murder of the Duke d'Enghien. Nor does it hide Napoleon's flaws as a person, such as his temper and his tendency to meddle in the love lives of his family.

    Mostly though, the biography celebrates Napoleon's talents, achievements, & personality. One really gets a good idea of Napoleon's charm and what he might have been like in person. It also showcases his incredible capacity for work and searing intellect. His achievements speak for themselves, but I personally liked the details of his non-military achievements as much as his famous victories, and the book spends considerable pages highlighting his civil achievements. The code Napoleon, which remains one of the most influential law texts today, is a great example of his lasting legacy. (The book also deals with his diplomatic and economic failures such as the continental system).

    As for Napoleon's campaigns, Roberts does a fine job describing the political situation before the battle, the marches and maneuvers, as well as the flow of the actual battle. I found this part accessible and easily understood, with detailed maps marking the units helping to paint a fine picture of Napoleon's famous victories and defeats. It also gives good reasoning on why Napoleon won and why he lost. Mostly Napoleon's defeats were instances where he doesn't follow his own military maxims. Overall Roberts does a great job illustrating Napoleon's campaigns for the layman and amateur military historian, but for those that want a really detailed analysis of his battles, they should also read "The Campaigns of Napoleon" by David Chandler, the defining classic on the military side of Napoleon's career.

    I highly recommend this book for those that want to read the definitive biography on Napoleon. This is the first biography that incorporates many personal letters Napoleon wrote that wasn't published until recently, so it really does give a more detailed look at his personality. Yes it is highly positive portrait, but I wouldn't call it a hagiography either. I found it fairly balanced overall.

    If there are any criticisms, it would be that the chapter on the Waterloo campaign was a bit shorter than I expected, but it gets to the core issues. I would have also liked a longer analysis on Napoleon's impact and influence on our politics and institutions after his death, although these are mostly woven into the chapters where his individual policies are written about. Personally though I would have liked a chapter at the end summarizing what this giant of history's lasting historical legacies were. Regardless I give this book 5 stars, I don't think you can go wrong if you want to know about Napoleon's life and times.

    Does Napoleon deserved to be called the great? Or was he a blood thirst tyrant? We have to look at him through the lens of the times he was in. Was Napoleon more of a dictator than any other of the reining monarchs in Europe or the world at the 18/19th century? Many of his laws were quite liberal by the standards of the day including his treatment of the Jews, especially compared to other European countries like England.

    Was he especially blood thirsty? Well most of the Napoleonic wars were declared against him by successive coalitions so again, is he any worse than the others? In fact one of his greatest mistakes in following the Russians deep into Russia was due to the desire to have a pitch battle as soon as possible so the war can be shortened and a political settlement reached. Yes he was overly ambitious in attempting to spread French influence at the expense of other European powers, resulting in war. However that was par of the course in the age of Empires.

    Luckily for us times have changed since. If any lessons can be drawn by the story of Napoleon, it was that political mistakes can not be compensated by battlefield victories. Napoleon was no doubt a genius, however his ambitions and personality got the better of him, and as a result he made a series of unsustainable peace treaties at the expense of other powers which would guarantee animosity. His desperate last campaigns against overwhelming enemy numbers were a direct result of this mistake. Our current political leaders will do well to remember it.

    * it's also worth getting the audiobook. Narration was great and it's really convenient to listen to while you are on the train or car.
    14 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • JR
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in Canada on May 23, 2024
    Very interesting and well done biography.
  • Marcio
    5.0 out of 5 stars A melhor bibliografia sobre Napoleão que já li
    Reviewed in Brazil on March 26, 2024
    Essa obra é extremamente completa e detalhada. Sem dúvida, é o melhor livro sobre Napoleão que eu conheço. Entra em detalhes que eu nunca havia ouvido falar. O autor relata que visitou os diversos campos de batalha (inclusive faz comentários sobre eles). É uma obra indispensável para aqueles que desejam conhecer a vida e o legado de Napoleão. Infelizmente, creio que essa obra ainda não tenha sido traduzida para o português, limitando sua leitura a aqueles que dominam a língua inglesa.
  • Alberto
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muy bien detallado, muy interesante
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 4, 2023
    Muy bien escrito, te atrapa en la lectura desde el inicio. Muy interesante para los que saben disfrutar de la historia y de personajes que han marcado historia! Muy recomendable
  • T Gurney
    5.0 out of 5 stars Napoleon: A Life - Insightful, engaging, and, above all, unforgettable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 18, 2024
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    Hi everyone! If you’ve ever been fascinated by one of history’s most controversial and captivating figures, you need to hear about Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts. This isn’t just a biography—it’s an epic journey through the life of a man who reshaped the world. Stick around, and I’ll tell you why this book is an absolute masterpiece.

    I imported my own copy from the US, as it is not available in the UK and it was totally worth it!

    Andrew Roberts’ Napoleon: A Life is a monumental work. Drawing on a wealth of new research, including over 33,000 letters written by Napoleon himself, Roberts gives us an intimate and balanced portrait of the man behind the myth. Whether you see Napoleon as a visionary or a tyrant, this book will challenge your perspective.

    What makes this book stand out is how Roberts captures the complexity of Napoleon’s character. He wasn’t just a military genius—though, let’s be honest, his campaigns are astonishing. He was also a statesman, a reformer, and, surprisingly, a man capable of deep love and profound insecurity. Roberts doesn’t shy away from Napoleon’s darker side, but he also highlights his extraordinary achievements, like the Napoleonic Code, which still influences legal systems today.

    The book excels in bringing Napoleon’s world to life. From his rise as a young artillery officer during the French Revolution to his crowning as Emperor and eventual exile to St. Helena, every moment is vividly portrayed. Roberts has an incredible knack for putting you right in the action—whether it’s on the battlefield or in the halls of power.

    Here’s one of my favorite excerpts: [read a short, impactful passage - perhaps describing the Battle of Austerlitz or Napoleon’s exile on Elba]. Isn’t that incredible? The detail and emotion in Roberts’ writing are second to none.

    One thing I really appreciated about this book is its pacing. Even though it’s over 800 pages long, it never feels overwhelming. Roberts weaves together military strategy, personal anecdotes, and political intrigue in a way that keeps you turning the pages. It’s like reading a novel, but every word is grounded in meticulous research.

    For those of you who love military history, the battle descriptions are breathtaking. Roberts explains the strategy and tactics in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’re not a history buff. And for those more interested in Napoleon’s personal life, the book delves deeply into his relationships—with his first wife Josephine, his family, and his loyal marshals.

    What’s fascinating is how Roberts also humanizes Napoleon. In his exile on St. Helena, we see a reflective and often lonely man who grapples with the legacy he left behind. It’s a poignant end to an extraordinary life.

    Now, is this book for everyone? If you’re intimidated by long biographies, it might seem daunting at first. But trust me, Roberts’ storytelling will draw you in. It’s perfect for history lovers, military enthusiasts, or anyone curious about one of the most transformative figures in history.

    So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts is the book for you. It’s insightful, engaging, and, above all, unforgettable.
    Customer image
    T Gurney
    5.0 out of 5 stars Napoleon: A Life - Insightful, engaging, and, above all, unforgettable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 18, 2024
    Hi everyone! If you’ve ever been fascinated by one of history’s most controversial and captivating figures, you need to hear about Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts. This isn’t just a biography—it’s an epic journey through the life of a man who reshaped the world. Stick around, and I’ll tell you why this book is an absolute masterpiece.

    I imported my own copy from the US, as it is not available in the UK and it was totally worth it!

    Andrew Roberts’ Napoleon: A Life is a monumental work. Drawing on a wealth of new research, including over 33,000 letters written by Napoleon himself, Roberts gives us an intimate and balanced portrait of the man behind the myth. Whether you see Napoleon as a visionary or a tyrant, this book will challenge your perspective.

    What makes this book stand out is how Roberts captures the complexity of Napoleon’s character. He wasn’t just a military genius—though, let’s be honest, his campaigns are astonishing. He was also a statesman, a reformer, and, surprisingly, a man capable of deep love and profound insecurity. Roberts doesn’t shy away from Napoleon’s darker side, but he also highlights his extraordinary achievements, like the Napoleonic Code, which still influences legal systems today.

    The book excels in bringing Napoleon’s world to life. From his rise as a young artillery officer during the French Revolution to his crowning as Emperor and eventual exile to St. Helena, every moment is vividly portrayed. Roberts has an incredible knack for putting you right in the action—whether it’s on the battlefield or in the halls of power.

    Here’s one of my favorite excerpts: [read a short, impactful passage - perhaps describing the Battle of Austerlitz or Napoleon’s exile on Elba]. Isn’t that incredible? The detail and emotion in Roberts’ writing are second to none.

    One thing I really appreciated about this book is its pacing. Even though it’s over 800 pages long, it never feels overwhelming. Roberts weaves together military strategy, personal anecdotes, and political intrigue in a way that keeps you turning the pages. It’s like reading a novel, but every word is grounded in meticulous research.

    For those of you who love military history, the battle descriptions are breathtaking. Roberts explains the strategy and tactics in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’re not a history buff. And for those more interested in Napoleon’s personal life, the book delves deeply into his relationships—with his first wife Josephine, his family, and his loyal marshals.

    What’s fascinating is how Roberts also humanizes Napoleon. In his exile on St. Helena, we see a reflective and often lonely man who grapples with the legacy he left behind. It’s a poignant end to an extraordinary life.

    Now, is this book for everyone? If you’re intimidated by long biographies, it might seem daunting at first. But trust me, Roberts’ storytelling will draw you in. It’s perfect for history lovers, military enthusiasts, or anyone curious about one of the most transformative figures in history.

    So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts is the book for you. It’s insightful, engaging, and, above all, unforgettable.
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  • Emily Helal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Impeccably written
    Reviewed in Egypt on September 25, 2024
    A meticulously researched biography in which British historian Andrew Roberts paints a comprehensive portrait of Napoléon Bonaparte, a figure renowned for his military and political acumen.