Josephine: Napoleon's Incomparable Empress

by Eleanor P. Delorme

The romance between Josephine de Beauharnais and Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most dramatic in history, but the crucial role this beautiful, intelligent woman played in their partnership has never before been completely acknowledged. In this spirited biography, rich in detail and anecdote, Eleanor DeLorme brings the exotic empress to life, revealing how greatly Napoleon confided in "his incomparable Josephine" and depended on her sense of style to set the tone of his empire.An important patron of the arts, Josephine collected works of the highest quality, and her exquisite and extravagant taste was admired and adopted all over the Empire. Along with portraits of the empress, her family, and numerous dignitaries, this elegant book contains many period images of significant events in Josephine's life. Based on a close study of the couple's letters, the memoirs of Josephine's two children, and other primary sources, DeLorme's delightful text describes all the amazing facets of this fascinating figure.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, France, Biography

248 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[Meltha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often it's hard to find a decent bio of a famous woman who happened to be married to an even more famous man. While there were times when I felt the author was dwelling too much on dinner party after dinner party, I did feel I knew Josephine after this, and her charm came through on the page.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in the middle of reading Sandra Gulland's historical fiction trilogy about Josephine Bonaparte, so I thought I'd throw in some actual history too while reading the historical fiction.

I enjoyed this book with all it's illustrations. It's a large format book (almost like an art history book) that contained many contemporary paintings and drawings from the Napoleonic era that helped make the historical figures come to life.

I didn't realize what a crazy life that Josephine led. Born in the Caribbean, lived through the French Revolution, married Napolean. Eventually divorced by Napolean because she was unable to have children with him.

The book was interesting, but sometimes got bogged down in what were to me inconsequential facts like who her interior decorator was and how she furnished her various dwellings.

I would recommend the book to anyone wanting to learn not only about Josephine Bonaparte, but about that tremendously turbulent era in European history.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous book, told from the French perspective. I had read some historical fiction about Josephine, but I thought this was better. The author does a good job of describing strengths and flaws of this famous person. The inclusion of art plates for illustrating the historical events created a richer reading experience.

I learned about the book when I met the author at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mix of artwork and history. There could have been more detail, the book seemed to rely on my having more knowledge than I do, but I could live with that for the lovely pictures.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Biography