Napoleon

By Max Gallo, William Hobson (translator),

Book cover of Napoleon: The Song Of Departure

Book description

On 15 May 1779, the second son of a prominent but impecunious Corsican family arrives at the gates of a royal military school at Brienne in the east of France. Not yet 10 years old, he barely speaks French. A fierce patriot, even at such a young age, French for…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Napoleon as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a fine work of fiction that forms but the first installment of a four-book masterpiece. Max Gallo was a herculean figure in French post-war life. In this volume, he tells the story of Napoleon’s life from his birth in Corsica to the moment in 1799 when he topples the ineffective Directory. I love this book because the author puts us inside Napoleon’s head. We think his thoughts and savour his words. He has put the flesh on the bones of history, conjuring a sympathetic tyro at times plagued by doubts but also willing to take daunting risks. This…

Want books like Napoleon?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Napoleon.

Browse books like Napoleon

Book cover of Napoleon on Napoleon: An Autobiography of the Emperor
Book cover of The Road to Rivoli: Napoleon's First Campaign
Book cover of How Far From Austerlitz?: Napoleon 1805-1815

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,588

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Napoleon Bonaparte, France, and Corsica?

France 947 books
Corsica 10 books