Napoleon's Library: The Emperor, His Books and Their Influence on the Napoleonic Era

Napoleon Bonaparte was an avid reader who carried libraries into battle. He used books as instruments of power, consulting historical records to justify his actions and bolster troop morale. This book provides a glimpse into his character, revealing his favorite authors and the key to understanding his mind.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2024
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Napoleon Bonaparte, a towering figure in French history, wielded absolute political power and his influence extended across Europe and beyond. Despite his busy schedule of leading his armies and ruling over a vast empire, he remained an avid reader who even carried libraries into battle.

Bonaparte's love for the written word stemmed from his childhood and was nurtured throughout his adolescence and young adult years. He was a lover of literature for its own sake, often swooning over melodramatic love stories, but he also recognized the immense power that books held. Before launching his campaigns, he meticulously studied dozens of texts related to the relevant theatres' geography, population, trade, and history. When faced with critical decisions, such as his divorce from Empress Josephine, he consulted historical records to justify and inform his actions.

To boost the morale of his troops during challenging times, Napoleon frequently referenced history in his proclamations, making his contemporaries feel as if they were actively shaping history. In fact, they were. The library of an individual is the gateway to their mind. Behind the grandiose paintings of the victorious conqueror and the constructions of the propagandist, lies the reader.

This book aims to peel back the layers of imperial glory and provide a glimpse into Napoleon's character, away from the grandeur of his achievements. It seeks to explore the thoughts that percolated in the mind of the ambitious 20-year-old, isolated in a small room while theorizing about human happiness. Who were the literary and historical figures that influenced his life? Which were his favorite authors?

Through this book, the reader will embark on a literary journey alongside the great general and statesman. Within these pages, you will discover Napoleon's favorite authors, who hold the key to understanding his life and legacy. As you delve into their works, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the man who shaped history in ways that are still felt today.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399055239