Napoleon: A Concise Biography

Nonfiction, History, France, European General
Cover of the book Napoleon: A Concise Biography by David A. Bell, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David A. Bell ISBN: 9780190262730
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: November 5, 2015
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: David A. Bell
ISBN: 9780190262730
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: November 5, 2015
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

This book provides a concise, accurate, and lively portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte's character and career, situating him firmly in historical context. David Bell emphasizes the astonishing sense of human possibility--for both good and ill--that Napoleon represented. By his late twenties, Napoleon was already one of the greatest generals in European history. At thirty, he had become absolute master of Europe's most powerful country. In his early forties, he ruled a European empire more powerful than any since Rome, fighting wars that changed the shape of the continent and brought death to millions. Then everything collapsed, leading him to spend his last years in miserable exile in the South Atlantic. Bell emphasizes the importance of the French Revolution in understanding Napoleon's career. The revolution made possible the unprecedented concentration of political authority that Napoleon accrued, and his success in mobilizing human and material resources. Without the political changes brought about by the revolution, Napoleon could not have fought his wars. Without the wars, he could not have seized and held onto power. Though his virtual dictatorship betrayed the ideals of liberty and equality, his life and career were revolutionary.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book provides a concise, accurate, and lively portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte's character and career, situating him firmly in historical context. David Bell emphasizes the astonishing sense of human possibility--for both good and ill--that Napoleon represented. By his late twenties, Napoleon was already one of the greatest generals in European history. At thirty, he had become absolute master of Europe's most powerful country. In his early forties, he ruled a European empire more powerful than any since Rome, fighting wars that changed the shape of the continent and brought death to millions. Then everything collapsed, leading him to spend his last years in miserable exile in the South Atlantic. Bell emphasizes the importance of the French Revolution in understanding Napoleon's career. The revolution made possible the unprecedented concentration of political authority that Napoleon accrued, and his success in mobilizing human and material resources. Without the political changes brought about by the revolution, Napoleon could not have fought his wars. Without the wars, he could not have seized and held onto power. Though his virtual dictatorship betrayed the ideals of liberty and equality, his life and career were revolutionary.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Lecciones de derecho fiscal by David A. Bell
Cover of the book Harry A. Blackmun by David A. Bell
Cover of the book Renewing the Stuff of Life by David A. Bell
Cover of the book The Mechanisms of Reactions Influencing Atmospheric Ozone by David A. Bell
Cover of the book 10 Steps to Mastering Stress by David A. Bell
Cover of the book To Make Our World Anew by David A. Bell
Cover of the book The Emergence of Sin by David A. Bell
Cover of the book Grand Theories and Everyday Beliefs by David A. Bell
Cover of the book Cognitive Neuroscience of Aging by David A. Bell
Cover of the book Solfege and Sonority by David A. Bell
Cover of the book Pediatric Palliative Care by David A. Bell
Cover of the book The Lights that Failed: European International History 1919-1933 by David A. Bell
Cover of the book The Powers to Lead by David A. Bell
Cover of the book Choral Masterworks by David A. Bell
Cover of the book Remade in China by David A. Bell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy