3 Review(s)

Lockhart begins by tracing Napoleon’s early life in Corsica, his education, and his entry into the French military during the turbulent years of the French Revolution. He then explores Napoleon’s meteoric rise through the ranks, becoming one of France’s most celebrated generals and ultimately the Emperor of France. The book offers a close look at Napoleon’s military campaigns, including his victories in Italy and Egypt, as well as his monumental defeat in Russia, and the impact of these events on Europe.Lockhart not only focuses on Napoleon's military genius but also delves into his political strategies, administrative reforms, and the establishment of the Napoleonic Code, which modernized legal systems across Europe. The biography also examines Napoleon's personal life, his relationships, and the political and social forces that contributed to both his ascent and his exile to St. Helena after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.