Customer Reviews

The Age of Napoleon

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This newest addition to the Modern Library Chronicles series is not a history of Napoleon but a snapshot into this time in France, although by his very nature the man defines the times. For a short biography of Napoleon, take a look at Paul Johnson's slim volume and for a fuller context of Parisian history read Alistair Horne's The Seven Ages of Paris. This book, the Age of Napoleon, is Alistair Horne's examination of one of those particular ages and the man at the centre of it. The book is arranged by topics as opposed to a chronological history so basic familiarty with European history will be an advantage. The author also repeats himself, at times, as the story moves back and forth. But this book will give the reader an idea of these tumultous times and either lead them to further reading about Napoleon the man or work as a refresher to a previously read biography.

Horne's pithy little book is certainly not a good introduction to Napoleon the man, general, or emperor, nor a comprehensive history text on France. It is, however, a valuable collection of his most lasting and significant policies, ambitions, whims, excesses, successes, and failures.

Horne writes with the facile hand of an expert in his element, yet this book will certainly prove most valuable to the casual rather than novice or advanced scholar of Napoleonic France. It covers his rise to fame, deceptively humble power-grab, impressive reformist tendencies and initiatives, his staid morality contrasting personal hypocrisy, as well as Napoleon's creation of a new and (at least in theory) merit-based aristocracy, as well as the advent of modern French culture. Colorful episodes featuring his beloved Josephine as well as other flames and vixens are recounted.

This will be a nice addition to a Francophile shelf, but only a sketchy entry text for the curious.

Engaging and informative, Horne manages to present his vast knowledge of Napoleon and his age in an almost conversational tone that-while full of rich historical detail-manages to be scholarly, riveting and often quite humorous. For example, in addition to learn about the numerous ways Napoleon's two decade rule transformed Europe, we learn that his wife and Empress Josephine's wardrobe contained 666 winter dresses, 230 summer ones and only two pair of knickers. If one wishes for a direct introduction to Napoleon and his influence, The Age of Napoleon is an excellent place to start.

This is a well-written and concise chronicle of Napoleon's reign, first as part of the Directorate and then as dictator and monarch. Mr. Horne does not attempt to be comprehensive and focuses on the interesting tidbits, such as Napoleon's love life, triumph at Austerlitiz, involvement with art & theater, and skills as an administrator.

I was hoping that Horne would use this format to give some brief and new conclusions that sum up the man. Horne does this only to a limited extent. He finds Napoleon to be a compelling figure -- the first modern man. He is a self-made man who substitutes merit for birth to determine who rises in the army and in civilian life. Tragically, his growing megalomania and desire to resolve succession led him to appoint himself Emperor, thereby tarnishing his prestige throughout Europe and damaging his legacy. Horne is careful to caution the modern reader against jumping to the conclusion that Napoleon was just another Hitler or Stalin. Although he was an authoritarian with a rudimentary secret police and censorship, he was not a totalitarian, and the modern reader has to appreciate that in many ways the 19th Century was just a lot more civilized than the 20th Century. Horne stresses Napoleon's accomplishments as an administrator and formulator of the Napoleonic Code.

Horne, however, does not develop these themes and arguments as much as he should. He can't seem to decide whether to tell the story of Napoleon or to write an essay about his historical significance. As a consequence, he accomplishes neither.

Certainly this is not the best book by Mr Horne. It is too poor and shallow in the field of pure history and not enough rich in what I expected the most, a social and impressionist chronic of life in those years. Nevertheless, and all that said, along the march the book gets better and more entertaining, give some lights about a good many things and awaken the appetite to know more.

This is a good book about Napoleon the man. Alistair Horne is a supreme writer. He covers the good in Napoleon, but balances it with his shortcommings. He illustrates the influence Napoleon had back then and the impact he has on our lives today. This is an excellent book about the complex life of one of history outstanding figures.

For those seeking a biography of the man or his military accomplishments, this book does not fit the bill. Horne focuses on the political, economic, artistic, and scientific accomplishments of Napoleon and the Napoleonic Regime. So this book focuses on an area not covered by most authors. Since Napoleon is a topic that many authors have attempted, Horne focuses on an area not usually written about. Napoleon changed a lot in France, and Horne outlines both his accomplishments (Code of Napoleon for law, and scientific research) and his failures (theater, opera, and literature).
This is not an easy read, despite its brevity. It is a read that will enlighten a Napoleonic historian. However, the subjects and concepts are more difficult to understand than the
military victories.

I don't recommend this book unless you're already familiar with the entire history of Napoleon. It's filled with vague references, assumes the reader lives in the writer's world with the references he doesn't explain, and uses many French sentences without any translation.

I bought this small book, hoping it would be a quick, interesting read. I found it was neither.

On the other hand, if you enjoy French arrogance, you might enjoy working through this book.