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Napoleon: His Wives and Women

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Mr. Hibbert quotes Napoleon as saying, "To the manner in which (my mother) formed me at an early age, I principally owe my subsequent elevation. My opinion is that the conduct of a child entirely depends upon the mother." If this theory is correct, Letizia Bonaparte has a lot to answer for! For this is a man who, in the political sphere, said that the usual rules of morality didn't apply to him and who also said that the deaths of a million men didn't much bother him! And, as Christopher Hibbert shows in this very good book, in Napoleon's relationships with women he was crude, insulting and domineering. In short, (please pardon the pun) the Napster was what we would today call a male chauvinist pig. Napoleon behaved this way pretty much across the board: towards his wives, mistresses, sisters and just about every woman he came across- with the exception of his mother. Napoleon told women that they were ugly and dirty (guests at a party); he commented on their "private parts" (Josephine); told them what to wear (everybody); who to marry (his sisters); said they were only good for making babies (guest at a party); and was condescending when an intellectual woman attempted to discuss politics (Madame de Stael). To top things off, he had a nicely developed sadistic streak- he would flaunt his mistresses in front of Josephine, commenting about their physical attributes and sexual prowess. Napoleon claimed that he loved Josephine- in fact, he said that of his 2 wives and many mistresses she was the only woman he ever did love. Based on his comments and behavior, and considering his bad case of egomania, one wonders whether he was truly capable of loving anyone. But, having said this, it is important to note that Mr. Hibbert is never simplistic in his depiction. We also get to see Napoleon being playful and affectionate with both of his wives, and feeling extreme guilt concerning his decision to divorce Josephine- a decision he made solely on the basis that he felt he needed a legitimate heir, and over a long period of time he and Josephine had failed to produce any offspring. He was also very hurt when his 2nd wife, Marie-Louise, failed to join him in exile. Despite his nagging narcissism he was clearly a complicated man. Mr. Hibbert does a good job of organizing and presenting his material, although he doesn't do much in the way of analysis or in presenting his own opinions. Still, the behavior itself is revealing and you can come to your own conclusions. Although the book is relatively short, just over 300 pages, we feel we have a good understanding of the major figures amongst the women who are portrayed- Napoleon's mother; his 2 wives; and his 3 sisters (Pauline, Caroline & Elisa). Mr. Hibbert also does a nice job of linking together the personal material with the major events of Napoleon's career- his rapid rise to power; becoming emperor; the shifting alliances; the invasion of Russia and the retreat; Waterloo; and the 2 exiles. The description of the day-to-day life of the emperor and his entourage on St. Helena is especially fascinating. (Napoleon once refused to have anything to do with a British officer who called him, merely, General Bonaparte, remarking "I haven't been called General Bonaparte since the days when I was in Egypt!") By concentrating primarily on the private man, Mr. Hibbert has managed to write something interesting about a person who has been written about ad nauseam. Not an easy task....

In Napoleon: His Wives and Women, Christopher Hibbert proves once again that he is a first-rate biographer and historian. The book starts early in his love life; from his first, tender love, and follows him to those final, tragic days on St. Helena. Along the way, the reader is allowed a wonderfully, voyeristic peek into Nappy's varied, tumultuous, and sexy love life. The writing is superb, but what makes this book truly fun to read is the details, the remarkable details, like Napoleon didn't like green beans and freaked out when he found a green bean string still attached. The best story is the one when, as cadet, he was told he would be punished for a naughty act by being forced to eat his food on the floor. He replied, "I will not do it. In my house we kneel only before God. Only before God. Only before God!" That wacky Corsican!
Mr. Hibbert gives the reader a balance of the negative and the positive attributes that made up the complex, enigmatic Napoleon. My only negative was that he seemed to whiz through the telling of Waterloo.

This is a very well researched book by respected historian author Christopher Hibbert. A juicy read for anyone who is interested in the intimate lives and loves of Napoleon. After reading this book, the reader will see the obsessive, selfish, domineering control freak we know of his military and political life was also part of his personal and love life too. Seems Napoleon wasn't as amorous when the woman of his desires weren't in fear of him and giving into complete submission; yet we also see a romantic, emotional man who so wanted to be loved and respected. I believe the crudeness of his behavior (at times), towards not only women, but men too, was part of his own fearful inadequacies, the so called Napoleon complex, but what a fascinating, perplexing personality he seems to have been. Regardless of Napoleon's crudeness, rude behavior and at times violent callousness, Author C. Hibbert also illustrates Napoleon's surprising acts of compassion, love and devotion to the people who knew and loved him.

This objective piece of work allows the reader to come away with his own personal opinions of the private Napoleon and the people in his life. From Napoleon's sometimes cruel, obsessive but always enduring love of Josephine - his respectful, and some say fearful love of his second wife Marie-Louise, to his lusty, conquering affections for Polish mistress, Marie Walewska. The reader also gets a glimpse of his relationship with his mother and his sisters in much more provocative light. Hibbert includes a long list of minor mistresses and female acquaintances, in full delicious details too.

This is serious study of the private man, Napoleon. We get a peek at the perks, quirks, oddities and passions of a fascinating man. `Napoleon: His Wives and Women' is an intelligent read and an important one too for the hardcore Napoleon reader.

An interesting and well-written book. Due to its focus, it skims over some of the areas regularly covered in books about Napoleon - there is not much detail on his military exploits. But there is a lot of material on 'Napoleon the man' - there is a lot about his background growing up in Corsica; the continuing influence of his family and the favours bestowed upon them; and all the women, especially the one woman who seemed to have genuinely moved him - Josephine. There was also a lot about Napoleon's tastes, likes, annoying habits and physical attributes.

This book would probably be most worthwhile for someone looking for a different aspect in the enormous collection of writings about Napoleon available today.

I must say that this book proves to be Christopher Hibbert's better efforts. This biography of Napoleon deals strictly with his relationships with all the women in his life. In the simplistic terms, this is a book about Napoleon's romantic and sexual life. The military aspects are only given as a background material. There are plenty of books on Napoleon on his military life but this one by Hibbert proves to be a rarity.

Hibbert paints a very complex but fair picture of Napoleon's relationship with all the women in his life. While Napoleon can be crude, tactless and perhaps an inept lover, he can also be affectionate, kind and caring. After reading the book, it would be easy to called Napoleon a "male chauvinist pig" as one previous reviewer did but I think he was just a man of his time when all men were basically "male chauvinist pig" in one way or another. Napoleon may have been bit more extreme then the most.

I found the book to be well written and well researched. There is a lot of in-depth look at Napoleon's personal life that comes out more strongly in this book then other books that centered strongly on his military life. His relationship with his sisters are strongly written here then most books I have read on Napoleon.

Overall, I think this book belong to any Napoleonic library.

Over the past few years I have become very interested in Napoleon. As such I have read several books regarding him and his life, especially the military and political aspects of his life. This book however is slightly different and for this particular reviewer, it was a refreshing aspect.

Although Napoleon's political and to some very small extent, his military life is addressed within these pages, the primary focus here is on Napoleon's personal life and specifically his romantic interludes and interests. There are also some information as to his relationships with other men that found themsleves associated with him. But primarily it deals with a side of Napoleon not often read about in such depth and with such attention to his wives, lovers, mother and sisters. I found after finishing the book that I felt I had a much more rounded and fuller picture of Napoleon, the man, aside from his acknowledged militry genius and political standing.

I found this book hard to put down and was constanly picking it up to continue reading and the many natural breaks in the chapters allowed for being able to read the book in short time periods during the day or in longer sittings, as at night or when time permitted for longer sittings.

I would heartily reccommend this book to anyone looking or interested in learning more about the personal Napoleon or even about those women who found themselves around him during his life. If you are looking for a complete biography on him complete with all the politcal intrigue and military accomplishments, then you will be disappointed (even though these topics are touched on but not in very much depth). However, if you are looking for an enjoyable and delightful read on some of the scenarios into his personal life and to develop a more rounded picture of Napoleon, then this is the book for you.

Covering a somewhat neglected aspect of Napoleonic studies, Hibbert has produced an entertaining and readable study of the women in Napoléon's life, including his wives, mistresses, one-night stands, mother, and sisters.

It is fun to read, and informative in its own limited way. If you are expecting a comprehensive examination of the Napoleonic Era, then this is not the book for you. Its very subject matter leaves it somewhat restricted. However it is worth reading nonetheless. It may add a dimension to Napoléon that was previously unknown to you.

A well presented history of Napoleon. A great book for the history buff. Looks at history in a realistic manner.