Napoleon the Great

Napoleon the Great by Andrew Roberts offers an unparalleled insight into the life and times of one of history's most remarkable figures. Spanning the crucial twenty years from 1795 to 1815, this definitive modern biography chronicles how Napoleon Bonaparte rose from relative obscurity to become the master of Europe. As he catapulted from a Corsican military officer to the Emperor of France, Napoleon reshaped not only the destiny of France but also the entire continent of Europe.

Seizing power in a dramatic coup d'état, Napoleon put an end to the corruption and incompetence that plagued the post-Revolutionary government. His military acumen saw him redefine the art of warfare through a series of tactical masterpieces, while his peacetime policies fundamentally transformed French society. He overhauled the legal system with the Napoleonic Code, remade the education system, and streamlined administrative processes, laying the foundations of modern France.

However, his relentless ambition and a series of draining campaigns against Great Britain, Spain, and Russia led to significant challenges. His ill-fated invasion of Russia, in particular, resulted in staggering losses and marked the beginning of the end for his empire. These ventures drained France’s resources and set the stage for Napoleon's eventual downfall.

Andrew Roberts captures the essential dynamism and allure of Napoleon’s persona with unparalleled detail and vividness. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, Roberts presents a man of immense vitality whose very presence electrified his followers. One striking testimony comes from a French sergeant-major who described how even exhausted, starving soldiers were rejuvenated by Napoleon's presence, turning their desperation into enthusiastic cries of "Vive l'Empereur!" and charging courageously into battle.

The reader of Napoleon the Great will gain a deep understanding of why Napoleon inspired such fervour, both in his loyal troops and among subsequent generations. Roberts' biography not only illuminates the remarkable human behind the legend but also offers a nuanced exploration of his lasting impact on history.