Napoleon: From 18 Brumaire to Tilsit 1799-1807

Napoleon #1

by Georges Lefebvre, Henry F. Stockhold (Translator)

This book, the first of two volumes, describes and relates the political and intellectual currents of the era dominated by Napoleon. Dealing with the period between 18 Brumaire, when Napoleon seized power, and 1807, when the Treaty of Tilsit was signed, the work provides a detailed perspective of the life, politics, and strategy of Napoleonic France.

The author examines the essential features of the collective life of the French people and those who were subjugated by the Emperor. He outlines the spread of French ideas across the Continent, emphasizing the impact of the fundamental principles of the modern state and society.

Beyond this, Lefebvre details the operation of forces independent of the will of Napoleon, and the distinguishing characteristics of nations which escaped his domination, including England and her Allies. the nineteenth century, so shifting and varied in its character, is revealed beneath the apparent uniformity which Napoleon's genius tried to impose.

Genres: History

337 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1936

About the author

Georges Lefebvre was a French historian, best known for his work on the French Revolution and peasant life.

Reviews

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purchased to follow up on the author's French Revolution books. Overall pretty dissatisfying - probably for some of the same reasons that i had problems with the other books. Author assumes a level of knowledge that i don't have. I know- not the author's fault (my fault)- o well. I found the account to be fairly random walk down Napoleon's early successes. Good, yes- but spotty- i didn't feel i was getting the full account- just the author's impressions of when to write about certain episodes.

[Rob Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has things basically right and a lot of good material here. Much weaker on Britain than he should be to write this book. Trouble is French Napoleonic historians seem to exist in individual bubbles.

[Tim Kramer · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's too confusing.