The Murder of Napoleon (Paperback)

by David Hapgood (Author)
Key Phrases: chief valet, arsenic content, Hudson Lowe, Las Cases, Louis Marchand (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A nonfiction whodunit based on modern scientific technique" -- New York Times

"History at its most electrifying" -- Newsweek

"Sensational...as gripping as a detective novel yet scrupulously observant of historical fact" -- Publishers Weekly

"Thoroughly convincing... A major Odyssey in historical research" -- Harold C. Deutsch, professor of military history, U.S. Army War College

Product Description
The history books say that Napoleon died of natural causes. Napoleon himself, expiring at 51 after a lifetime of robust health, suspected otherwise and ordered a thorough autopsy. His suspicions were well-founded. So clever was the crime, however, that until recent developments in forensic science, it was impossible to prove a case of murder, let alone name the killer. Now, the authors of this fascinating book assert, it has been done-by a brilliant man whose 20-year inquest, a feat of detection, has produced one of history’s greatest surprises.

What the critics say:

"History at its most electrifying" - Newsweek

"A nonfiction whodunit based on modern scientific technique" - New York Times

"A spellbinding whodunit about one of history's greatest crimes" - History Book Club

"Sensational ... as gripping as a detective novel yet scrupulously observant of historical fact" - Publishers Weekly

"Thoroughly convincing... A major Odyssey in historical research" - Harold C. Deutsch, professor of military history, U.S. Army War College

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse (February 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583481508
• ISBN-13: 978-1583481509
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #817,177 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Famous Death Reexamined, September 29, 2000

By	"kingsransom" (Como, Italy) - See all my reviews

The infamous Napoleon Bonaparte died while imprisoned on the island of St. Helena. Until very recently, it was widely believed that he died of stomach cancer, which was prevalent in his family.

This book investigates the case made by Swedish dentist Dr. Sten Forshufvud. After learning the details of Napoleon's final days, Dr. Forshufvud began to suspect arsenic poisoning. Along with Ben Weider, the two delved into sources of available information regarding Napoleon, his imprisonment and those close to him. The authors present a very likely scenario of what really happened based on results of this investigation, along with an analysis of Napoleon's hair confirming arsenic poisoning.

Despite the hair analysis, the case is not completely solved, as Napoleon's final moments on his death bed did not indicate arsenic poisoning. Instead, the authors argue that arsenic was used to make Napoleon ill and then another method was used to finish him off. A likely suspect to the murder as well as a motive are also named.

This is a fascinating book for anyone interested in European history during a turbulent time.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We can never know ....., October 20, 2006

By	Mr Bassil A MARDELLI "Antoun" (Riad El-SOLH , Beirut Lebanon) - See all my reviews

Napoleon felt entitled to rule Europe and cheated to secure the necessary esteem by threats or show of power; but most Europeans did not acknowledge his title; `the Emperor'.
To protect its interests Britain planned, manoeuvred and worked in the dark to achieve one main goal: " preserve the British Empire". Britain's lust for power has placed, as the first priority on its policy, the `extermination' of Napoleon.
The distaste was reciprocated. Napoleon detested England's alliance with Russia and Austria.
In the end Napoleon was beaten at Waterloo.
Napoleon's captivity in Saint Helena, the island of volcanic origin in the South Atlantic Ocean, squeezed his health like a dry lemon. The island was infested and muggy; knout climate was already like a pogrom to massacre the ex-Emperor.

The fifty-two years old Emperor of the French knew he would die there. He had already encountered tuberculosis - facing the harsh winter weather conditions - during his campaign on Russia and the ruinous retreat in 1812.

He never recovered and remained frail for the next nine years. What started in the lungs, at the final stages affected the bones and joints accentuated by damp weather and feelings of despair.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly interesting, challenging and moving!, July 23, 1999

By A Customer

This book is one of the best I've ever read about Napoleon's death. I came by this book during my recent visit of the United States. I was discussing history and unsolved mysteries with a relative of mine when he introduced me to the book. He told me that for the first time a researcher had decided to challenge all the known theories about Napoleon's death. And what a challenge!! According to the author the great Emperor had been poisoned by arsenic during his exile in Saint Hélène. At first I was quite sceptical. Could that be the solution of this mystery? However, the more I read the more I was convinced by the author's argument and by the researcher thourough 'enquête'. Although we might not agree with the identity of the murderer we can't not sweep aside such scientific facts. The book is a real page-turner and I rest assure that all the fans of the subject (and even those merely interested by the scientific aspect of the theory) will find this book extremely interesting and disturbing (in a positive way, of course).