The 4 Best Books About Napoleon

Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the greatest military geniuses in history and a charismatic leader, rose from humble origins to become Emperor of France. He established the Napoleonic Code, which is still the basis of French law today. His campaigns reshaped Europe and sent shockwaves through the rest of the world. Even two centuries after his death, historians and biographers continue to publish books about Napoleon.

The list below represents what we feel are some of the best books out there on Napoleon.

If you want to purchase any of the books listed below, click on the titles. They are affiliated links that will take you directly to the store.

Napoleon's Maxims of War, by Napoleon Bonaparte

I’ve read a lot of books on war and have seen a lot of movies about war. But I’ve never seen a book that applies the various maxims to modern war. In this sense, Napoleon’s Maxims of War is an important book. It has been written for people who are interested in war, strategy, military history or leadership. This is a fun read for anyone who is interested in the subject.

Napoleon’s Maxims of War is the standard reference for the Napoleonic Wars. The book provides hard facts and practical applications of military history. It offers an overview of war, strategy, military history and leadership. It is perfect for readers who are interested in these subjects.

Waterloo: The History of Four Days, Three Armies, and Three Battles, by Bernard Cornwell

Cornwell's writing is engaging without being overly dramatic, and his research seems first-rate. For anyone who has any interest whatsoever in the Napoleonic Wars, military history, or even European history at all, Waterloo is a must read.

The Battle of Waterloo was the last, and perhaps most decisive, battle in the long series of wars that constituted the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Perhaps because of its significance in European history, Waterloo gets a lot of coverage, but much of the coverage is either overly general or inaccurate. Cornwell's book is a welcome addition to English-language scholarship on the subject.

I learned a lot of interesting things about the battle and how it all came about. I was surprised by some of the decisions made by the various leaders and their armies, and how those choices affected the outcome of the battle. Also, I was surprised to learn that Wellington didn't really care about Blucher's arrival at all, but we know that it helped to turn the tide of battle.

Napoleon: A Life, by Andrew Roberts

Andrew Roberts is a master of historical narrative. He brings to life one of the most misunderstood figures in history, Napoleon Bonaparte. Roberts’s attention to detail is extraordinary, his scholarship extensive, and his writing superb. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

Andrew Roberts paints a bold, vivid and fascinating portrait of a man who was as much a product of his times as he was the principal shaper of those times. In this richly detailed book, we see the young Bonaparte forging glory on the battlefields of Egypt and Italy, but also looking enviously across the Channel to the rich pickings offered by the English. We see him learn from his mistakes and use his knowledge to become a brilliant military strategist. We watch him ruthlessly consolidate

Napoleon was a great man with many flaws. This is the most comprehensive biography written on him in decades. Roberts does an excellent job of detailing Napoleon’s life and getting inside his head. The book was so interesting I found myself reading it for hours at a time.

Napoleon: A Life, by Adam Zamoyski

Napoleon: A Life, by Adam Zamoyski is a great read for anyone interested in Napolean and his impact on France and Europe. This book reveals new details about Napoleon's personal life and explains how his political and military decisions impacted the lives of millions of people.

This is an excellent biography of one of history's most interesting and controversial figures. It is very well researched and written in a clear and entertaining style that brings Napoleon and his times to life both for those who know little about him and those who think they know a lot. I liked it so much that I intend to read some of Zamoyski's other books as soon as possible.

Napoleon: A Life is a very well-written and engaging biography. This book is a must read for those interested in Napoleon or European history. I learned a lot that I did not know about this remarkable man. The author's approach to the subject is refreshing and will make you feel like you know Napoleon personally by the end of the book.