A review by inquiry_from_an_anti_library
Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts

adventurous informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

2.0

Is This An Overview?

There was more to Napoleon than military acumen.  Napoleon’s lasting influence was on the culture, as laws became equitable to everyone, made status based on merit, improved educational quality, enabled administration to be more efficient, and secularized society while trying to be respect those who were religious.  Many lands were conquered by Napoleon’s forces, with Napoleon being courteous to the conquered.  Napoleon wanted to gain the people’s approval, which would enable control of foreign lands with the support of the population.  Through Napoleon’s efforts, the conquered lands had their infrastructure and institutions improved.  The army was to be respectful of the local communities and ways of being, to prevent creating conditions for disapproving the French.  Napoleon tried to limit the army’s pillaging after a victory.   

 

Caveats?

There is a lack of reasons and explanations for why events occurred.  The book focuses on Napoleon’s actions and decisions throughout participated events.  The details of the various conflicts are provided, without explaining the reason for the events or conflicts.  Focusing on the details of what happened can prevent potential misunderstanding of subjective reasons that people provide, but the events lack meaning without the explanations. 

 

Among the details of Napoleon’s life that are provided, military affairs are prominent.  Napoleon’s family, and love life, along with French culture, and politics are provided but are relegated to military affairs.   For an understanding of French society, and history, additional research would be needed.