The age of Napoleon transformed Europe; laying the foundations for the modern world. Now Alistair Horne; one of the great chroniclers of French history gives us a fresh account of that remarkable time. Born into poverty on the remote island of Corsica; he rose to prominence in the turbulent years following the French Revolution; when most of Europe was arrayed against France. Through a string of brilliant and improbable victories (gained as much through his remarkable ability to inspire his troops as through his military genius); Napoleon brought about a triumphant peace that made him the idol of France and; later; its absolute ruler.Heir to the Revolution; Napoleon himself was not a revolutionary; rather he was a reformer and a modernizer; both liberator and autocrat. Looking to the Napoleonic wars that raged on the one hand; and to the new social order emerging on the other; Horne incisively guides readers through every aspect of Napoleon’s two-decade rule: from France’s newfound commitment to an aristocracy based on merit rather than inheritance; to its civil code (Napoleon’s most important and enduring legacy); to censorship; cuisine; the texture of daily life in Paris; and the influence of Napoleon abroad. At the center of Horne’s story is a singular man; one whose ambition; willpower; energy and ability to command changed history; and continues to fascinate us today.From the Hardcover edition.
#348190 in Books Quadrangle 1976 1976-01-12Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 #File Name: 0812905210527 pagesGreat product!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Slavic SoulBy LOU8486I am American Polish. Smith accurately portrayed the Slavic mind of my last 70 years and before when grandparents came to America.I send copies to my 3 children so they would get the flavor of my life. A terrific read and great flowing writer. Captures the Slavic soul and struggles of life.LVP0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Communism does suckBy Peter Forbes LancasterIf you want to learn how it was in communist Russia than you must read this books. All those people out there that think communism is great would learn lots from reading this book. It's a fascinating read0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. AwesomeBy CustomerA well-written work put together by someone who knew; understood and believed in the peculiarity of Russia than few foreigners ever have. Like "The Union Moujik" and "Animal Farm in a different light; we understand not only the people; but the state; the ideology and a lot more from afar.
