Product Details

• Actors: David Janssen
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: April 4, 2000
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0767012119
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,419 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The most fabled military leader of all time is chronicled in this episode of the A&E Biography series. Born to a Corsican family of shaky financial means, young Napoleon decided upon a military career as a child, winning a scholarship to a French military academy. His meteoric rise shocked not only France but all of Europe, and his military conquests threatened the stability of the world. Making copious use of contemporary drawings, paintings, and maps, and featuring interviews with military historians who specialize in studying Napoleon, the great commander is thoughtfully rendered as an enigmatic figure whose great military triumphs masked a deeply troubled personal life. His marriage to Josephine was tumultuous (and was at times the cause of his being the subject of ridicule), and his fanatical work habits, not to mention a legendary temper, made him a notoriously difficult personality. His insatiable appetite for glory and conquest led him to overcome most obstacles in his path, yet his supreme confidence in himself eventually led him to his defeat at Waterloo and his exile on a desolate island. This is a lively, informative, and entertaining look at one of the most influential figures in all of history. --Robert J. McNamara

Product Description

He felt he was an outsider in his own nation yet he took it to its greatest period of influence in history. But his ego and thirst for ever more power led to one of the most storied downfalls ever. Napoleon Bonaparte stands in the company of men like Alexander as one of the greatest military commanders to ever live. As a ruler he brought France to unprecedented heights of glory only to see it unravel as a result of his arrogance. Few men have left a greater mark in history. BIOGRAPHY® traces the life and legend of the Corsican commander through extensive research, countless historical documents and artifacts and the testimony of some of the world's most respected scholars. Examine his greatest military victories in detail then discover the errors that cost him even greater triumphs. Trace his rise to power and tragic decline, and explore the monumental legacy that continues to influence the world to this day. From the island of Corsica to some of the most storied battlefields in Europe, BIOGRAPHY® crosses the continent on the trail of one of history's towering figures.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Military Commander, June 25, 2006

By 

Elijah Chingosho "Dr Elijah Chingosho" (Nairobi, Kenya) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Biography - Napoleon Bonaparte: The Glory of France (A&E DVD Archives) (DVD)

The biography of Napoleon gives an account of the life and times of this remarkable man, from his early youth to his final days. This is a good representation of the highlights of his life. Although some important details are missing, this is a good explanation of his achievements and failures.

Napoleon rose very quickly in the army, his obvious brilliance having been noticed and having been critical for the success of the French armies against monarchist forces trying to destroy the French revolution and restore the monarchy. Napoleon was clearly a great military genius and a very dynamic personality. He had an incredible drive to succeed with a charismatic personality. His meteoric rise to the top is impressive.

I learnt of the incredible energy that the great emperor had. For example, he was directly involved in many details of government and at times dictating correspondence until his secretaries collapsed from exhaustion.

Napoleon had a deep and genuine affection for Josephine, often writing her detailed and interesting letters from the battle front. Since she could not bear him male heirs to the throne, Napoleon had to divorce her and married someone else.

The biography captures the grandeur of Napoleon, his zeal for war, his love for Josephine and his limitless energy that drove him beyond what even he could achieve.

One of Napoleon's greatest failures was the invasion of Russia with a huge army, which was consumed by the vast Russian landmass and atrocious weather.

A well produced account of this spectacular man that is well worth viewing by anyone with an interest in history or the Napoleonic wars.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History made enjoyable., December 17, 2009

By 

J. Guild (Toronto,Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Biography - Napoleon Bonaparte: The Glory of France [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Of course ,everyone has heard of Napoleon Bonapart.He was one of the greatest leaders in the 19th Century;and was responsible for France's Glory days.They may also know that he was exiled;but from there on what else they know is pretty scant.The problem with most people understanding history is simply because there is so much of it,over such a long period of time;and to further complicate it;attempts to teach it in school;seldom lead to anything but complete boredom.
I read a lot of history and historical novels;but I must admit it is still difficult to remember things and the connections and timing.Perspective is everything in history;but how many can put Napoleon's era of greatness as the same time as The War of 1812 in America?
This Biography was created by the A&E Television Network and in a short time period of only 50 minutes,tells the life of Napoleon from birth to his death.In that short time ,by watching it you will get a good idea of Napoleon ,how he came to be the most important leader at his time ,what he accomplished and what led to his downfall.
If you want to read about the life and times of Napoleon;I suggest you get this Boigraphy;and you will get a good understanding of the history of Europe at that time and the impact that Napoleon had on it.
This Biography is so well done;that one could spend many,many hours in a classroom or reading history text books;and not get anywhere as much understanding of Napoleon as one would get from this video.It would also make an excellent reference reminder.

10 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Great Napoleon, October 20, 2000

By 

Bevil Anderson (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biography - Napoleon Bonaparte: The Glory of France [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I hail Napoleon Bonaparte as having been a truly recgonized conqueror of modern times. A&E'e Biographly did help to clear- up some points, that I had failed to fully understand during my reading about him. I was hoping to learn more about his General's i.e was it true about their betrayal of him? All in all, I think it was a well produce portrait, of one of the three greatest men in all the history of this world.

bevil