The Bonapartes: The History of a Dynasty

by William H.C. Smith

This biography offers not just the story of Napoleon Bonaparte himself, but the history of his entire family during their time of rule. Although Napoleon I began life in an impoverished noble family, through his astonishing military career he was crowned Emperor of France. Three of his brothers became kings of French satellite territories, and Napoleon himself tried to earn the acceptance of other monarchs of Europe by marrying Marie-Louise, the daughter of the Austrian emperor. Although his only son, Napoleon II, died young and in exile, the dynasty sprang back to power under his nephew, Louis Napoleon, who became Napoleon III. His son, the Prince Imperial, was killed in the Zulu War. The Bonapartes shows the importance of the entire Napoleonic dynasty in French history and traces the often difficult relationships between the members of the family.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published December 27, 2005

Reviews

[Jill H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there may not be a plethora of new information for the scholar of French history, this biography of the members of the Bonaparte family is packed with interesting facts. It gives equal focus on both Napoleon I and Napoleon III. Napoleon I staked his claim to be accepted by other European monarchies by placing his brothers on the thrones of French satellite countries. Following military defeats that ended his empire, his only legitimate son, Napoleon II died young and in exile. but the dynasty sprang back to power under his nephew, Louis Napoleon, who became Napoleon III. He also died in exile, after defeat by Germany in 1870, while his only son, the Prince Imperial, was killed in the Zulu War in Africa. The monarchy in France was put aside forever and this history shows the lasting influence exercised by France's Fourth Dynasty. Well written and recommended.

[Gerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Any biography of either of the two emperors offers more and on immediate family members as well; this book is more a summary of their careers. Because I don't know that much about Napoleon III, it was good to learn more about him. The author seems to feel that both he and his wife get unfair abuse by history. The book also served to trace the Bonapartes' careers between the two emperors; but, once Napoleon's brothers became fathers, we read of just the ones who mattered to France and their dynasty, but not, for example, of the American branch (one became Secretary of the Navy and then Attorney General under T. Roosevelt). In retrospect, I could have read it in the library or about the individual characters in Wikipedia; it just didn't strike me as all that necessary.

[Micaylah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it's a book. Rather disappointing in that the publisher allowed typos and errors. I have not finished the book but it has a wonderful source section and I have now a list of other books and memoirs to read.

Other than that it is passably written but skips quite a few main historical events or is just a paragraph or two.

To try to cover the Napoleonic Dynasty in one book is like reading a Coles Notes. It is too fast a read but good for the newly interested Bonapartist.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it because it gave a nice concise history of the family. I learned so much. I really only knew about Emperor Napoleon I and it was fascinating to learn the fate of all his brother, nephews and children. The family line is still thriving although they are using Napoleon as their last name these days.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cool to look at the whole family and not Just Napoleon himself. It was quick and easy read.

[Samuel B. Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book - more on Napoleon III than Napoleon I, but that didn't bother me. Vive l'Empereur!