- 'A brilliant biography which will surely become a classic life of
Napoleon.' Lawrence James, The Times
Napoleon Bonaparte's character and achievements have always divided
critics and commentators. In this compelling new biography Frank
McLynn draws on the most recent scholarship and throws a brilliant
light on this most paradoxical of men - as military leader, lover and
emperor.
Tracing Napoleon's extraordinary career, McLynn examines the
Promethean legend from the Corsican roots, through the years of theFrench Revolution and the military triumphs, to the coronation in 1804
and ultimate defeat and imprisonment. Napoleon the man emerges as an
even more fascinating character than previously imagined, and McLynnbrilliantly reveals the extent ro which he was both existential hero and
plaything of Fate; mathematician and mystic; intellectual giant and
moral pygmy; Great Man and deeply Aawed human being.
'One of the year's best biographies ... A compelling portrait of one of
history's greatest figures.' Catherine Lockerbie, Scotsman
'McLynn writes with considerable verve: his pithy characterisations of
Napoleon's subordinates, the alternating chapters of narrative and
analysis, and dramatic set pieces ... all these combine to make his
biography pleasurable and instructive to read.'Brendan Simms, Evening Standard
'McLynn offers an admirably clear narrative, neither adulatOry nor
debunking. He acknowledges and displays the extraordinary tale and
does nor hide the pettiness.' Allan Massie, Daily Telegraph'A robust, well-paced biography which pans confidently from the seven
year-old child educated by Jesuits to the ruins of imperial grandeur and
death by slow arsenic poisoning on a bleak Sr Helena.'
Colin Cardwell, Scotland on SundayFIRST PAPERBACK PUBLICATION
jacket Painting: Napoleon at Borodino.
Courtesy of Proctor Jones9
ISBN 0-7126-6247-2 Pimlico
Random House
20 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London S WI V 2SA
http://www. random house .co. u kBiography/History £12.