The Age of Napoleon

The book is unsatisfactory as a layman's introduction but also as a scholarly work. Its lack of background information means the reader needs a familiarity with the political events and institutions of the French Revolution and the major military events of Napoleon's career, but its lack of detail means that anyone who has this familiarity is unlikely to get much out of the book other than a refresher on the years in which various events occurred. The book isn't arranged chronologically, even within the thematically unified chapters or their sections; it's common to find one sentence about an event in 1802 followed immediately by one about a related event in 1799. The writing is generally poor; although it's not unreadable, sentences are often ungainly and strewn with improper commas. There are a few typographical errors such as repeated words. Although there are some interesting tidbits in the book (mostly focused on Napoleon's social achievements), I do not recommend it as an introduction, biography, or scholarly work.

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.

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 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.