Killing Napoleon: The Plot to Blow up Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte was the target of an early act of terrorism on Christmas Eve 1800 in Paris, orchestrated by royalists who failed to kill him but whose atrocity ushered in a new era of political violence. Killing Napoleon recounts the story of the attack and the hunt for the perpetrators, offering a precursor to the terrorist threats we know today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2024
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Christmas Eve 1800 saw the streets of Paris teeming with citizens engaged in various activities such as shopping, dining, and socializing. However, amidst the festive atmosphere, a sinister plot was unfolding to assassinate Napoleon Bonaparte, the most famous and powerful man in France. A group of royalists, known as the terrorists, had brought an improvised bomb into the city, carefully waiting for the right moment to strike. As the crowd bustled around them, they spotted their target and, despite knowing the indiscriminate nature of the bomb, they ignited the fuse. The ensuing explosion caused widespread destruction, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Napoleon Bonaparte, who had seized power the previous year, became the target of this early act of terrorism. The terrorists belonged to the royal faction and, although they failed to kill Napoleon, their atrocity set a new precedent for political violence. The book, "Killing Napoleon," sets the scene with Napoleon's coup and follows the cell of extremists as they meticulously plan their attack and create the infamous "Infernal Machine." After the attack, the security services are baffled by the novelty of terrorism and struggle to track down the perpetrators. Meanwhile, Napoleon uses the public's anger to launch a war on his opponents, further escalating the conflict. Drawing on first-hand accounts, trial transcripts, and archival material, "Killing Napoleon" recounts one of the great crimes of its era, a story that remains largely unknown in the English-speaking world. It serves as a precursor to the terrorist threats we face today, highlighting the dangers of unchecked political violence and the need for vigilance in the face of extremism.

Weight: 242g
Dimension: 196 x 130 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398122543