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Napoleon

A Concise Biography

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Napoleon

By: David A. Bell
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch
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About this listen

This book provides a concise, accurate, and lively portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte's character and career, situating him firmly in historical context.

David Bell emphasizes the astonishing sense of human possibility - for both good and ill - that Napoleon represented. By his late 20s, Napoleon was already one of the greatest generals in European history. At 30, he had become absolute master of Europe's most powerful country. In his early 40s, he ruled a European empire more powerful than any since Rome, fighting wars that changed the shape of the continent and brought death to millions. Then everything collapsed, leading him to spend his last years in miserable exile in the South Atlantic.

Bell emphasizes the importance of the French Revolution in understanding Napoleon's career. The revolution made possible the unprecedented concentration of political authority that Napoleon accrued and his success in mobilizing human and material resources. Without the political changes brought about by the revolution, Napoleon could not have fought his wars. Without the wars, he could not have seized and held onto power. Though his virtual dictatorship betrayed the ideals of liberty and equality, his life and career were revolutionary.

©2015 Oxford University Press (P)2018 Tantor Europe France Historical Military & War Politicians Politics & Activism War Napoleon Bonaparte Military Imperialism French Revolution Biography Royalty Middle Ages Career Latin American Interwar Period

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All stars
Most relevant  
A very solid summary of a very complex man.

The information within is interesting and presented in an accessible format.

Whilst not overly complex, this book offers a tremendous insight into one of histories most polarising men.

Informative.

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A swift review of the life and times of Napoleon. American narrator, for some reason, but fine.

Good potted history

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