3 Review(s)

Milligan Sloane's biography of Napoleon Bonaparte. This book covers both Napoleon's exile to Elba in 1814 and his death on the island of Saint Helena in 1821. Only two examples of the political climate Sloane examines during this time period in Europe are the Congress of Vienna and attempts to restore the Bourbon monarchy in France. He also looks into Napoleon's personal life, focusing on his contacts with his second wife Marie Louise and his attempts to make apologies with his son, who the Allies had installed on the throne of Rome. Sloane examines Napoleon's futile attempt to restore power during the Hundred Days, which led to his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. He continues by discussing Napoleon's banishment to Saint Helena, where he lived out the rest of his days. Sloane describes Napoleon's routine activities on the island, his contacts with his friends, and his worsening health. Sloane, in his overall appraisal of Napoleon's life and contributions, focuses on both his military and political achievements as well as his interpersonal relationships and challenges. One of the most significant figures in contemporary history is presented in the book in a multifaceted light.