The Age of Napoleon

Rating:
Summary: Simply elegant
Review: I am truly in love with this book. It is excellently written and immaculate in design and execution. This will give you the general picture of Napoleon and who he was.

Rating:
Summary: A Difficult Yet Entising Novel
Review: If you are looking to get a general idea of Napoleon from his rise to power to his decline this book is on the top of my list. Herold clearly shows his dislike for Napoleon by questioning Napoleons beliefs. Each chapter is seperate from one another telling part of the story of the age of Napoleon. This is by no means an easy read but after understanding the impact Napoleon has made on our lives we realize how important it is to understand what Napoleon was all about. The book allows us to look at Europe from the eyes of Napoleon and understand his methidology. Anybody who critizes this book for Herold's dislike for Napoleon does not understand that in order to write a great book depicting the times of Napoleon, one does not need to worship the subject of the book. It is better to have the opposing points of view in mind when making a decision.

Rating:
Summary: Still one of the best general histories
Review: This is a dated but still effective general survey of the period and the man. Contrary to what is claimed in some of the reviews, it is not particularly anti-Napoleon, especially compared to some more recent works, such as the big biography by Schom, which virtually boils over with hatred for Napoleon. Herold wants to admire Napoleon, but can't quite forgive him for his faults. The result is pretty balanced. Also,unless you've got a 4th grade reading level, this isn't that hard to read -- my students prefer it to the well-known Markham biography. Highly recommended as an introduction to the Napoleonic Age. The illustrated Horizon version might be even better as an intro because of the visuals. Herold also compiled The Mind of Napoleon -- a collection of Nap's words and writings for those who really want to get a feel for what made the Emperor tick.

Rating:
Summary: Recommended: an enlightening and entertaining read
Review: This is not a perfect book. That the author doesn't think Napoleon should be deified, however, is no reason to malign it--online or anywhere else. In fact, Herold presents a convincing picture of "Napoleonic" Europe. Besides characterizing Napoleon, his adversaries, and a whole supporting cast, the author portrays the economy, politics, and culture of the times.

There is some oversimplification in Herold's book, and some of his conclusions may be open to debate. All good historians take some risks. But this book is a thoroughly researched and well written introduction to an important era in Western history. It certainly deserves to be read.

Rating:
Summary: Efficient for Overview
Review: This was a book that may prove diappointing to the reader with existing knowledge of Napoleon and the era which bears his name, however, to someone with little knowledge of the Napoleonic era to begin with or who wishes to receive an efficient overview of this important era of western history it is a good read. The book gives an unbiased account of the campaigns and undertakings of Napoleon, as it presents the views and actions of the other leaders and powers in Europe beside Napoleon, broadening the intention of the book beyond an account of one man's life to encompass a compact history of Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. It is certainly a terrific read for the average reader though certainly not for the historian or scholar, who may view the book as broad and not specific in detail.

For the reader who wishes to learn the important facts, philosophies and developments of the Napoleonic Era this book is a very recommendable read that I would fully recommend, especially if you may wish to use it as a gateway book that can culture the reader so he/she can move on to more intense Napoleonic reading.