Napoleon

An interesting quote from Napoleon: "The infamous practice of flogging men to disclose secrets, must come to an end. The only result of torturing people in this way is that the poor wretches say whatever they think will please their captors. I forbid the use of means that are equally repugnant to humanity and reason."

the man that took archaeologists, poets, and scientists on campaign in Egypt had his own utterances transcribed often. Those were quotes and imagined soliloquies illuminate this epic life, for instance "I prefer open enemies to untrustworthy friends. "

Napoleon's life is among the most examined and written of in Western civilization. Ludwig's take gets knocked for the breathless hagiography. But, surely there is room for show more this impassioned telling, too. show less

A very emotional life of Napoleon, but not revealing of the subject's emotions, only those of the biographer. Mr. Emil liked Nappy, especially the image of the earlier, liberal Napoleon. I don't think this vision is a good one.

A very colorful and romanticized history of the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, his entourage and many of the royal personalities of that revolutionary period. An interesting read filled with much dramas, vivid scenes and exciting confrontations.

A most curious biography as it has resonances with the author's own life (real name Emil Cohn) as an exiled Western German Jew originally from Breslau, Silesia, now part of Poland. He made his home in Moscia, Ascona, Switzerland, but left in 1940 for the US and then returned after WWII where he died in 1948. He was neighbors with Max Emden and Paulette Goddard in Moscia (where I had a twenty year association and lived for two years).

A treasured book from childhood; a romantic history of Napoleonic long on emotion and short on analysis.

Close view of Napoleon's thoughts and emotions. Interesting.

Extremely over-rated.