Customer Reviews

Josephine: Napoleon's Incomparable Empress

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I enjoyed reading this book, which, though a bit brief, gives a full account of the importance of Josephine de Beauharnais during the Revolution and the Empire.

She was a clever, pragmatic woman who never lost track of the main goal in her life: the welfare and security of her children. She managed to survive the Revolution and two bad marriages with great grace and style. Her beauty and charm became legendary, but she wasn't a frivolous monarch: She is perhaps one of the first female biologists.

This is a great book to get an idea of what Josephine's life was like. Yet, I was somewhat disappointed since, aside some color illustrations, most of the pictures in the book are black and white. More color would've been appreciated...

This was a Christmas gift from my in-laws and a real treasure that is hard to put down.

Despite Delorme love affair with the French she is surprisingly honest in this biography of Josephine. There are many interesting insights into this strong female figure, both politically and personally. For instance she is quite a bit like Abigail Adams in that both women were true partners to their spouses political positions and worked deligently on their behalf. Josephine was also a single mother for sometime and realised to late in life that Napolean was the love of her life.

All in all, this is a comfortable read and a great gift idea.

My fascination with the Empress Josephine began with "The Emperor's Lady" by F.W. Kenyon. It was published in 1952. Mrs. DeLorme's book sounds like a good complement to this book, with its indepth commentary on Josephine's impact on art, fashion, and her insights into Josephine as a contributing partner to Napoleon's career. If you like historical fiction, you will also enjoy "The Emperor's Lady".