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[(Napoleon)] [ By (author) Paul Johnson ] [August, 2003]
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Paul Johnson
511 books21 followersLibrarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 25, 2025
Decent, it is very boring at times, but a good overall representation of Napoleons life.
July 26, 2024
Very interesting book about Napoleon, beloved emperor for many, killer of millions for others.
Was struck me most is how Paul Johnson managed to capture so many facts about this epoch with a light tone in less than 200 pages. After closing the book I know more about, obviously, Napoleon and French history and politics, and also about English, Prussian, Russian, Austrian and Spanish history. And he holds no prisoners, the description is factual and that means brutal given the topic.
It is also a great lesson in leadership. And as many leaders he came to that position of leadership by being the right man (right technical capabilities like cartography and mathematics), at the right time (when at the height of terror the country wanted a strong leader again) and the right place (France where the revolution was more brutal than anywhere else). Or the wrong man at the wrong time at the wrong place leading to millions of unnecessary deaths.
Showcasing that no leader can have continued success alone, they need to prepare succession and have empowered teams. With the right people in place Waterloo might have ended differently, with the right entourage and open mind he might have listened to good advice and ensured a peace that would have been better also for France.
And also a warning against the complacency of leadership. Always look ahead at what can change, innovation is key! On places where innovation can be expected (in war medicine and weapons) and where it can be disruptive. They perspective on US and how, should Napoleon have dared to look across the pond, would have created a lasting legacy through Louisiana. Almost like a current day leader brushing aside AI.
All in all a very interesting and highly recommended read!
.
Was struck me most is how Paul Johnson managed to capture so many facts about this epoch with a light tone in less than 200 pages. After closing the book I know more about, obviously, Napoleon and French history and politics, and also about English, Prussian, Russian, Austrian and Spanish history. And he holds no prisoners, the description is factual and that means brutal given the topic.
It is also a great lesson in leadership. And as many leaders he came to that position of leadership by being the right man (right technical capabilities like cartography and mathematics), at the right time (when at the height of terror the country wanted a strong leader again) and the right place (France where the revolution was more brutal than anywhere else). Or the wrong man at the wrong time at the wrong place leading to millions of unnecessary deaths.
Showcasing that no leader can have continued success alone, they need to prepare succession and have empowered teams. With the right people in place Waterloo might have ended differently, with the right entourage and open mind he might have listened to good advice and ensured a peace that would have been better also for France.
And also a warning against the complacency of leadership. Always look ahead at what can change, innovation is key! On places where innovation can be expected (in war medicine and weapons) and where it can be disruptive. They perspective on US and how, should Napoleon have dared to look across the pond, would have created a lasting legacy through Louisiana. Almost like a current day leader brushing aside AI.
All in all a very interesting and highly recommended read!
.
August 10, 2024
Another brilliant biography from a master storyteller. Johnson remarked in the opening section that there are more books about Napoleon than any other historical figure outside of Jesus Christ. Drawing on this wealth of information, he proceeded to render an enthralling narrative, punctuated by his usual erudition and cogent analysis of the “world’s greatest soldier”.
Napoleon’s legacy is complex. He is considered to be one of history’s most brilliant strategist. Yet, he was a flawed figure due to an enormous ego. His exploits on the battlefield have guided military minds for decades. However, Johnson’s a depth treatment of the emperor’s personal foibles, notably his pragmatic approach to victory left me with a more complete understanding of the Corsican. Of course, I have never been disappointed with a work by this author but this one is special. I would rank it just after Modern Times and Churchill on my Johnson fav list.
Napoleon’s legacy is complex. He is considered to be one of history’s most brilliant strategist. Yet, he was a flawed figure due to an enormous ego. His exploits on the battlefield have guided military minds for decades. However, Johnson’s a depth treatment of the emperor’s personal foibles, notably his pragmatic approach to victory left me with a more complete understanding of the Corsican. Of course, I have never been disappointed with a work by this author but this one is special. I would rank it just after Modern Times and Churchill on my Johnson fav list.
April 4, 2024
Packed with information in less than 200 pages, assumes a basic knowledge of the time and players. Sutherland makes references that sent me researching for more details on who people were, specific locations, definitions of political parties, etc. But many interesting insights into Bonaparte from his Corsican birth to his last unhappy days on St. Helena. The book deserves a place on your history bookshelf.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews