Napoleon

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27883

Title

Napoleon

Language

nl

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This illustrated biography chronicles the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, from his Corsican origins and early military exploits to his rise as Emperor, the zenith of his empire, and his ultimate downfall at Waterloo. Featuring 32 large plates based on famous paintings, the text offers a dramatic narrative of his campaigns, political maneuvering, and personal life, suitable for readers seeking a visual and historical account of the Corsican giant.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the turbulent backdrop of late 18th and early 19th-century Europe, this biography details the extraordinary life of Napoleon Bonaparte, born in Corsica in 1769 to a family of Italian and Greek descent. The narrative captures his formidable character, blending a stubborn fighting spirit with a certain chivalry. Following his father's death, Napoleon leveraged his fluency in French to secure positions within the new government, rapidly rising through the ranks during the French Revolution. His military genius was first showcased at the siege of Toulon and solidified in Italy, where victories at Rivoli and Arcola established his formidable reputation. Appointed First Consul, he stabilized France before crowning himself Emperor in 1804. The text vividly describes his relentless expansion, including the invasion of Egypt and the decisive victory at Austerlitz, which secured a brief peace of Amiens. However, war with Britain resumed, leading to the disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812. The narrative captures the burning of Moscow, the harsh winter, and the catastrophic retreat that decimated the Grande Armée. Following his abdication and exile to Elba, he made a daring return to France for the 'Hundred Days,' only to be defeated once again at Waterloo in 1815. The biography concludes with his final exile to Saint Helena, where he spent his remaining years. Throughout, the author utilizes numerous primary sources, including memoirs from contemporaries like Talleyrand and Marbot, to provide a comprehensive view of Napoleon's rise, rule, and tragic end.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27883.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27883.epub

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2026-07-04 05:16 UTC

Categories

• Biography
• History