Napoleon Bonaparte

by John S.C. Abbott

Napoleon I (born Napoleone di Buonaparte, later Napoleon Bonaparte) (15 August 1769 - 5 May 1821) was a French military and political leader who had significant impact on modern European history. He was a general during the French Revolution, the ruler of France as Premier Consul of the French Republic, Empereur des Francais, King of Italy, Mediator of the Swiss Confederation and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine.

Born in Corsica and trained in mainland France as an artillery officer, he first rose to prominence as a general of the French Revolution, leading several successful campaigns against the First Coalition and the Second Coalition arrayed against France. In late 1799, Napoleon staged a coup d'etat and installed himself as First Consul; five years later he became the Emperor of the French. In the first decade of the nineteenth century, he turned the armies of France against almost every major European power, dominating continental Europe through a lengthy streak of military victories-epitomized through battles such as Austerlitz and Friedland-and through the formation of extensive alliance systems. He appointed close friends and several members of his family as monarchs and important government figures of French-dominated states. (Quote from wikipedia)

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Politics, Leadership, Classics

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1855

About the author

John Stevens Cabot Abbott (Andover Theological Seminary; Bowdoin College, 1825) was a historian, Congregationalist pastor, and pedagogical writer. With his brothers, including Gorham and Jacob Abbott, he was a co-founder of Abbott Collegiate Institute for Young Ladies in New York City.

Reviews

[Arminius · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very short history of Napoleon’s rise to power. Napoleon led the French Army into incredible victories over Austria, Italy and Egypt. As he was doing this France was in the mists of their Revolution 1789-1799. Napoleon returned to France in 1797 as a hero and looked to, by many, to stop the terrible violence that was taken place in France at the time
So, Napoleon organizes a coup d’état overthrowing France’s incompetent bicameral legislature by going to the France’s House of Elders and offering his services. When a riot ensued by those opposing Napoleon’s offer to rule, he orders the Army in and the House dispels. The next Elders meeting comprised of only those who supported Napoleon. They voted to make him First Consul and later proclaim him emperor.

[Leah Angstman · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Completely fanatical take on Napoleon, written almost like an obsessive novel. Can't quite tell what is fiction and what is fact, so you can't take anything as fact. Full quotations that have no bibliographical information, so I can only assume they are made up. Very anti-British, as well, which comes across as too biased to be taken seriously.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and eloquent history of Napoleon, Abbott defends the noble spirit of Napoleon in the face of countess ego-centric british historians at the time.

[PRINCESS · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Frenchmen! You have been anxious for peace. Your government has desired it with still greater ardor. Its first efforts, its most constant wishes, have been for its attainment. The English ministry has exposed the secret of its iniquitous policy. It wishes to dismember France, to destroy its commerce, and wither to erase it from the map of Europe, or to degrade it to a secondary power. England is willing to embroil all the nations of the continent in hostility with each other, that she may enrich herself with their spoils, and again possession of the trade of the world. For the attainment of this object she scatters her gold, becomes prodigal of her promises, and multiplies her intrigues.”

Beautifully written but very brief yet a good and easy read.
It might be boring for some but history is what I adore and thirst for.

[Panu-Petteri Väänänen · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The mind is saddened as it wanders amid the labyrinths of conscientiousness and of passion, of pure motives and impure ambition. This is, indeed, a fallen world. The drama of nations is a tragedy. Melancholy is the lot of man."

I suppose this is what it would look like if I were to write a book about Napoleon. The writer is enthusiastic and all over the place (literally, at one point we are in the holy land for no apparent reason). Obviously no editing involved. Has a feeling of a collection of essays and travel documents found in granpas attic and smashed together by the son-in-law. Some beautiful phrases and quotes, but not really a biography.

[Arsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars to be precise.
Confusing, meshed up at times yet very informative. Basically a brief summary about the French ruler himself and the revolution he brought. The Segment that displays the quotes by Napoleon Bonaparte is perhaps a plus point for the book.
Recommended for anyone who wants to have a brief knowledge about the French ruler.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short of an excerpt in his reign of power and did not touch enough on the political factions and the end goals of the Jacobins and the Bourbonists— very much told with a bias towards Napoleon. I also would’ve been interested to spend much more time on his marriage and divorce from Josephine, time in Egypt and initial rise to power after the Reign of Terror

[Shawna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was very interesting, but so much of the story is missing and it jumps around without congruity. It did make me want to read something else about him.

[Alok · Rating 3 out of 5]

First ever history book I read and it was hanging between a good book in prose and history and thus trying to make strokes of oil paint on pencil sketches. The incredible detail in some sentences, thick with french origin words will make you like what you read few times but the rest of the times its just a speed bump with a trip to the dictionary. I had supplemented this book with many youtube videos and wikipedia articles to have the full comprehension, I strongly recommend anyone reading this to do the same and if you don’t look at those paintings you will not totally be there.

[Rob]

Disappointing. Read the e-book version from Project Gutenberg. There were missing pages and quite a few errors, including floating commas and spelling mistakes. I thought that the description of Napoleon's character verged on the fanatical. He could do no wrong! It seemed to be a very biased version of his life. However I did read the book completely. It covered a brief part of his life, from General to Emperor, up to c1801. Interesting, nevertheless.

[Nicholas Maulucci · Rating 2 out of 5]

ummm...boring. French history is a voluntary weakness of mine. made it through the litany of French names and places though. Napoleon seemed like a half descent fellow. recommended for nobody.

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really nice read about Napoleon's build up to power as the Emperor of France. Would definitely recommend to all.