Book Description
One of the most remarkable women of the modern era, Josephine Bonaparte was born Rose de Tasher on her family's sugar plantation in Martinique. She embodied all the characteristics of a true Creole-sensuality, vivacity, and willfulness. Using diaries and letters, Andrea Stuart expertly re-creates Josephine's whirlwind of a life, which began with an isolated Caribbean childhood and led to a marriage that would usher her onto the world stage and crown her empress of France.
Josephine managed to be in the forefront of every important episode of her era's turbulent history: from the rise of the West Indian slave plantations that bankrolled Europe's rapid economic development, to the decaying of the ancien régime, to the French Revolution itself, from which she barely escaped the guillotine.
Rescued from near starvation, she grew to epitomize the wild decadence of post-revolutionary Paris. It was there that Josephine first caught the eye of Napoleon Bonaparte. A true partner to Napoleon, she was equal parts political adviser, hostess par excellence, confidante, and passionate lover. In this captivating biography, Stuart brings her so utterly to life that we finally understand why Napoleon's last word before dying was the name he had given her: Josephine.
Customer Reviews:
Thorough, interesting, and informative.......2006-11-22
Even after visiting the birthplace and burial site of 'Josephine', I realized I knew next to nothing about her that was favorable. Most biographies focus on Napoleon. This biography offered some more insite into the world she lived in and how it shaped her. I found one superficial innacuracy of the decscription of Martinique and the book did not really mention much about the re-institution of slavery in the French colonies after the Revolution message of 'egalitie', which is usually blamed on the Creole Josephine. All in all, this is a superb piece of history and I am glad to add it to my library.
Very good research.......2004-08-03
Andrea Stuart's telling of the life of the Empress Josephine is wonderfully entertaining and very telling. I have been fascinated by the story of Napoleon and Josephine since I was 13 years old am always looking for new information on the subjects and their lives. As a history major at UK I very much appreciated the research that Ms. Stuart obviously did on the times and circumstances in which Josephine lived. Especially in regards to the issue of slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries. She obviously cares deeply for the memory of the Empress and has done Her Majesty a superb honor with this work.
A stunning life.......2004-03-15
Andrea Stuart's new biography on the life of Napoleon's most famous mistress, Josephine, is a complete and captivating story of one of France most powerful women at a time of social and political upheaval as France sought to reestablish its identity at the heart of Europe and the New World. It is a rich biography, expanding to discuss in depth the political and social reality of the time and the nature and actions of those personages that influenced Josephine the greatest.
The story commences with the birth of Marie-Josephe-Rose de Tascher de La Pagerie on the island of Martinque, After delving into her childhood, Rose's life truly commenced with her enagagement and subsequent marriage to Alexandre de Beauharnais - often pointed to as the galant, de Valmont, of Laclos' Les Liaisons Dangereuses. After a rocky marriage as her overly florid and highly unsuited to marriage husband took a multitude of lovers, charmed his way through Parisien society and ended up accusing the innocent Rose of adultery whilst he on a trip back to Martinque and she in Paris, Rose found herself with two children, separated and in a the convent of Panthemont. It was to prove a turning point as, just before the French Revolution ignited she returned from new new home at Fontainbleu to Martinque. Whilst there she did not escape the violence of it as Martinque was one of the first colonies to follow the mainland and she was forced to flee the island of her birth forever.
She returned to a Paris where republicanism was the new `word' . In the meantime her husband, Alexandre, had risen to prominence amongst the new wave of political power and was actually President of the National Assembly the month Rose returned. As a result of her husband's fame, so Rose grew in recognition by association. As Alexandre presided over the capture of the fleeing King the event polarized the camps into the Feuillant party against the Girondists and Jacobins and Alexandre, for a time became the de facto ruler of France.
It was a fortunate time for Rose as her husband's position enabled her to make friendships with France's new elite and to find time for amorous pursuits. However, come Louis XVI's execution and England's declaration of war, Alexandre's ineptitude in his new position as commander of the Rhine armies and his libertine nature led to his downfall under the Law of Suspects and Rose's subsequent arrest. After several months of imprisonment at Les Carmes Alexandre died at the guillotine days before Robespierre and days after Rose was released.
By 1795 she had come to meet the man who would eclipse her - Napoleon.
At his point Stuart digresses onto a quick recount of Napoleon's life and career before Rose engaged on her relationship. Napoleon was smitted and proposed, Rose only accepting after realising Hoche was no longer available to her. It was at this point Napoleon renamed her Josephine. What follows is a period as Napoleon swept all before him in Italy whilst all the time writing letter upon letter to her in fits of passion alternating between over-eloquent expressions of love and frustration at her seeming coldness. It was a reversal of roles from Josephine's first marriage, but as Napoleon's fame and power grew, so did hers. Stuart does well here to interpose love letter text with historical action and emotional frenzy, sweeping the reader along on the tides created by the future emperor.
As Napoleon aged and his power increased there came the inevitable shift in power each held in their personal relationship forced along by Josephine's relationship with Hippolyte Charles eventually culminating in the very public knowledge of the problematic state of their marriage while Napoleon was in Eygpt and the now somewhat embellished episode at the house at rue de la Victoire.
What follows is a recount of Napoleon's rise to fame, Josephine's active participation in the conspiracy that secured his position within the Consulate and her transformation from `decadent Directoire godess into virtuous, restrained statesman's wife" (p270). Josephine's social skills soon translated into the highest political weapon as she presided from her Yellow Salon providing support for the emigres but not yet extending to the exiled Louis XVIII. However, she retained a loving family atmosphere with her two children and Napoleon despite their lack of children together.
Eventually, Napoleon acclaimed himself Emperor of France in 1894 and Stuart treats us to a lengthy discourse on Josephine's battle with Napoleon's family, her final spiritual marriage to him and their coronation.
As Empress of the French the rest of her life was played against the tumult of several legendary European battles with conquests of great nations, yet done in a manner that meant she retained her regality. As Empress her life was rigorously dictated, protocol dominating her every move, her life peripatetic. Stuart illustrates this with a detailed look at a typical day following with how she influenced French society, patronaging the arts and acting as the gentle foil to Napoloeon's rudeness.
However, it all fell apart when Napoleon divorced her on Dec 15, 1809 and she spent the rest of her life either touring France or at Malmaison. Acclaimed as a generous host she spent four years playing this part as Napoleon's Grnad Empire began to fall apart and it all ended suddenly in 1813 with Napoleon's exile on Elba and Josephine succumbing, aged 51, to her final moments.
Andrea Stuart's biography of France's most celebrated Empress is effortlessly written, evoking an emotional reponse full of admiration for this woman who transformed from the rose of Martinque to one of the most powerful and loved women of the time. Whilst popular history may relegate her to the boudoir with the infamous phrase of `Not tonight, Josephine' from Napoleon, what this effort has done is draw attention to a woman who place in history is very much assured.
Highly recommended.
Book Description
Napoleon was but a poor, insignificant army officer. Josephine was a widow. They met in a Paris ravaged by revolution and despairing of war. They fell in love and married. Their relationship became a legend.
From those early days in Paris to the bitter divorce in 1809 the couple kept in touch through intimate letters. Napoleon's insatiable ambition took him from Italy to Egypt, from general to emperor, yet he and Josephine wrote frank, revealing letters to keep in touch. This collection of letters reveals much about the times through which Napoleon and Josephine prospered and about the forces which played upon a couple who rose at astonishing speed to the very height of prestige, power and success. This new edition has commentaries, a chronology and biographies of leading personalities.
Here is their love, here are their squabbles. Napoleon and Josephine live on in the pages of this book. Contains 67 illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
A glimpse into the written words of Napoleon.......2006-06-27
I loved this little book and read through it very quickly. It was interesting to me to read Napoleon's personal and private correspondence to Josephine. Each of the letters are presented in chronological order as they were written. One can very easily read Napoleon's varying moods through his written words at the time of each letter that is presented. This alone allows the book to be very readable and interesting on so many levels.
However, the book really shines in the "filling in of the blanks". In other words, simple explainations are given to help the reader understand some of the comments written in each particular letter or to help the reader understand some of the events that were occuring or fixing to occur at the time of each writing. One therefore does not have to be a Napoleon aficionado to enjoy this book.
Book Description
The romance between Joséphine de Beauharnais and Napoléon Bonaparte is one of the most dramatic in history, but the crucial role this beautiful, intelligent woman played in their partnership has never before been completely acknowledged. In this spirited biography, rich in detail and anecdote, Eleanor DeLorme brings the exotic empress to life, revealing how greatly Napoléon confided in "his incomparable Joséphine" and depended on her sense of style to set the tone of his empire. An important patron of the arts, Joséphine collected works of the highest quality, and her exquisite and extravagant taste was admired and adopted all over the Empire. Along with portraits of the empress, her family, and numerous dignitaries, this elegant book contains many period images of significant events in Joséphine's life. Based on a close study of the couple's letters, the memoirs of Joséphine's two children, and other primary sources, DeLorme's delightful text describes all the amazing facets of this fascinating figure.
Customer Reviews:
Read also "The Emperor's Lady" by F.W. Kenyon.......2003-06-09
My fascination with the Empress Josephine began with "The Emperor's Lady" by F.W. Kenyon. It was published in 1952. Mrs. DeLorme's book sounds like a good complement to this book, with its indepth commentary on Josephine's impact on art, fashion, and her insights into Josephine as a contributing partner to Napoleon's career. If you like historical fiction, you will also enjoy "The Emperor's Lady".
New Insight to this Historical Figure.......2003-01-16
This was a Christmas gift from my in-laws and a real treasure that is hard to put down.
Despite Delorme love affair with the French she is surprisingly honest in this biography of Josephine. There are many interesting insights into this strong female figure, both politically and personally. For instance she is quite a bit like Abigail Adams in that both women were true partners to their spouses political positions and worked deligently on their behalf. Josephine was also a single mother for sometime and realised to late in life that Napolean was the love of her life.
All in all, this is a comfortable read and a great gift idea.
Average customer rating:
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The History Of Hortense: Daughter Of Josephine, Queen Of Holland, Mother Of Napoleon Iii
John S. C. Abbott
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 141791307X |
Book Description
1870. With Engravings. An historical account of Hortense, one of the world's noblest women. Hortense's father fell beneath the slide of the guillotine; her mother was imprisoned and doomed to die; and she and her brother were turned penniless into the streets. By the marriage of her mother with Napoleon, she became the daughter of the Emperor, and one of the most brilliant and illustrious ladies of the imperial court. The triumph of the Allies sent her into exile, where her influence and her instruction prepared her son to contribute powerfully to the restoration of the Empire, and to reign with ability which is admired by his friends and acknowledged by his foes. The mother of Napoleon III never allowed her royally-endowed son to forget, even in the gloomiest days of exile and sorrow, that it might yet be his privilege to reestablish the Republican Empire, and to restore the dynasty of the people from its overthrow by the despotic Allies.
Amazon.com
When she married Napoleon Bonaparte in 1796, Rose de Beauharnais was a 32-year-old widow who had narrowly escaped the French Revolution's guillotine. She was six years older than he, notorious for her lovers, and unlikely to give him children, but possessed of the social connections and skills the ambitious young general thought would help him rise in the revolutionary army. He gave "his living reverie, his dream of perfect passion" a new name, Josephine--perhaps hoping it would blot out her unsavory past. Instead, she continued to be promiscuous as well as extravagant, and the marriage soured as Napoleon ascended to first consul and then emperor of the French. Yet he divorced her only in 1810, when political events made it clear he must have an heir. This highly colored biography practically wallows in Josephine's lurid personal life, colored in by luscious descriptions of the period's clothes, food, and amusements. The author, whose many previous books mostly deal with English royalty, does not burden readers with excessive doses of French history; the focus is always on Josephine, whose psychology is discussed at length. Erickson succeeds in making her subject an attractive figure, if hardly an exemplar of moral rectitude. Her book should appeal to those who like their historical biographies titillating and not too taxing. --Wendy Smith
Book Description
In 1804, when Josephine Bonaparte knelt before her husband, Napoleon, to receive the imperial diadem, few in the vast crowd of onlookers were aware of the dark secrets hidden behind the imperial faccedil;ade. To her subjects, she appeared to vet hew most favored woman in France: alluring, wealthy, and with the devoted love of a remarkable husband who was the conqueror of Europe. In actuality, Josephine's life was far darker, for her celebrated allure was fading, her wealth was compromised by massive debt, and her marriage was corroded by infidelity and abuse.Josephine's life story was as turbulent as the age-an era of revolution and social upheaval, of the guillotine, and of frenzied hedonism. With telling psychological depth and compelling literary grace, Carolly Erickson brings the complex, charming, ever-resilient Josephine to life in this memorable portrait, one that carries the reader along every twist and turn of the empress's often thorny path, from the sensual richness of her childhood in the tropics to her final lonely days at Malmaison.
Customer Reviews:
Josephine: From Martinique to Malmaison: The Life of Napoleon's first wife.......2006-02-14
Josephine (1763-1814) was born Rose Tascher on the French colonial island of Dominique. Her father raised her on a failing sugar plantation she wed a disssolute French aristocrat (who wa
executed during the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution)
and had two children by him: Hortense and Eugene.
Josephine met the young Corsican Napoleon and wed him. Napoleon knew she had connections in the government and married her for politcal reasons as well as to satisfy his lustful longings for the fetching Creole.
Josephine was five feet tall, had rotting teeth and was unfaithful to Napoleon (as he was as well!). She could not produce a male heir and the Emperor divorced her to marry Marie Louise of Austria.
Her life was one of glamour, love, rejection by her husband and dissolute living. Josephine was no saint but she was known
for her loving kindness.
Erickson has written a good biography of Josephine which introduces the reader to a fascinating woman living in amazing times.
A good introduction to Josephine.......2005-06-25
This is a very well written book, and the author keeps the reader captivated as she tells the life story of Josephine, better known as Napoleon's first wife.
For avid history buffs of the Napoleonic era, this book will offer scant new insights. If, however, you are only beginning to learn about the movers and shakers in imperial France, this may be a good jumping off point for you. Bear in mind that everyone is a secondary player to Josephine, so every one presented is colored by how they interacted with her-- and the author's mostly sympathetic portrayal of the woman.
Josephine is not presented as a saint by anymeans in this book. She is, however, given a back story that allows us to have a greater understanding at how she could be both kind and charming while attempting to amass a fortune as a war profiteer.
Ultimately this book is like cotton candy. Sweet and charming but leaving the reader wanting for more. I find that to be a good thing in this case, I'll be reading more about Josephine and her contemporaries in an attempt to gain an even larger understanding of her and the times she lived in.
An Unlikely Empress.......2003-02-01
This was my first read of Carolly Erickson, and I was enthralled by her writing style. Yes, the book reads like a novel, but I don't find this detrimental. One of the biggest problems with historical biographies are they are often heavy and dull, and I don't think this should be the case when describing extraordinary times and events. I felt like I was transplanted "into the period;" and while Josephine had qualities pro and con, I found her to be accessible and human. A lot of times with biographies, I ended hating the subject by the time I am done, because the author relishes revealing the subject's tarnished persona in such an unflattering light. Ms. Erickson's Josephine I liked, despite her evident flaws.
My only complaint would be overindulgence in trivial detail, e.g., her "rotten teeth" and "fading beauty." No one really likes aging, do they?
An Unlikely Empress.......2003-02-01
This was my first read of Carolly Erickson, and I was enthralled by her writing style. Yes, the book reads like a novel, but I don't find this detrimental. One of the biggest problems with historical biographies are they are often heavy and dull, and I don't think this should be the case when describing extraordinary times and events. I felt like I was transplanted "into the period;" and while Josephine had qualities pro and con, I found her to be accessible and human. A lot of times with biographies, I ended hating the subject by the time I am done, because the author relishes revealing the subject's tarnished persona in such an unflattering light. Ms. Erickson's Josephine I liked, despite her evident flaws.
My only complaint would be overindulgence in trivial detail, e.g., her "rotten teeth" and "fading beauty." No one really likes aging, do they?
An Unlikely Empress.......2003-02-01
This was my first read of Carolly Erickson, and I was enthralled by her writing style. Yes, the book reads like a novel, but I don't find this detrimental. One of the biggest problems with historical biographies are they are often heavy and dull, and I don't think this should be the case when describing extraordinary times and events. I felt like I was transplanted "into the period;" and while Josephine had qualities pro and con, I found her to be accessible and human. A lot of times with biographies, I ended hating the subject by the time I am done, because the author relishes revealing the subject's tarnished persona in such an unflattering light. Ms. Erickson's Josephine I liked, despite her evident flaws.
My only complaint would be overindulgence in trivial detail, e.g., her "rotten teeth" and "fading beauty." No one really likes aging, do they?
Average customer rating:
- Great book to learn about Napoleon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Napoleon in Love
R. F. Delderfield
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0671240412 |
Customer Reviews:
Great book to learn about Napoleon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-04-06
Many people have heard of the legendary general, and emporer, Napoleon Bonaparte. But, what most people don't know is about Napoleon's love-life. Delderfield describes the six most important women in Napoleon's love life, as well as many others. They impacted his life and what he did in his empire. Behind the man who did it all, was a loving caring emperor. These affairs did not last forever, however, and usually ended badly. Overall this book was incredibly enriched with information about this great man. I recommend it for all people interested in history.
Average customer rating:
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Napoleon's Women
Christopher Hibbert
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0393324990 |
Book Description
As a soldier and an emperor, Napoleon was ruthless and determined; as a lover, he showed the same single-minded ferocity.
Hailed by Amanda Foreman, author of Georgiana, as "one of England's greatest living historical writers," Christopher Hibbert introduces us to the many intriguing women behind the legendary soldier—from his strong-willed mother and three sisters to his varied wives and mistresses. This lively historical account reveals Napoleon's often neglected private life and passionate relationships, in which he wildly worshiped certain women as often as he disdained others.
Vividly evoking the political and social upheavals of post-Revolutionary France, Hibbert captures the vibrant characters who made history, not only on the battlefield but also in the bedroom, including Josephine, the charming Creole from Martinique; the plain and pliant Marie-Louise of Austria; and Marie Walewska, the sumptuous young Polish countess who, despite initial reluctance, was persuaded by her elderly husband to fall in love with Napoleon. Praised by A. N. Wilson as an "outstanding popular historian," Hibbert dramatically brings to life the most intimate influences on Napoleon's turbulent career and character. 24 pages of illustrations. Originally published in cloth under the title Napoleon: His Wives and Women.
Book Description
As a soldier and an emperor, Napoleon was ruthless and determined; as a lover, he showed the same single-minded ferocity.
Christopher Hibbert introduces us to the many intriguing women behind Napoleon—from his strong-willed mother and three sisters to his varied wives and mistresses. This lively historical account reveals Napoleon's often neglected private life and passionate relationships, in which he wildly worshiped certain women as often as he disdained others. Vividly evoking the political and social upheavals of post-Revolutionary France, Hibbert captures the vibrant characters who made history, not only on the battlefield but also in the bedroom, including Josephine, the charming Creole from Martinique; the plain and pliant Marie-Louise of Austria; and Marie Walewska, the sumptuous young Polish countess who, despite initial reluctance, was persuaded by her elderly husband to fall in love with Napoleon. Praised by A. N. Wilson as an "outstanding popular historian," Hibbert dramatically brings to life the most intimate influences on Napoleon's turbulent career and character. 16 pages four-color, 8 pages black-and-white illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
To Help "Round Out" Napoleon.......2006-01-14
Over the past few years I have become very interested in Napoleon. As such I have read several books regarding him and his life, especially the military and political aspects of his life. This book however is slightly different and for this particular reviewer, it was a refreshing aspect.
Although Napoleon's political and to some very small extent, his military life is addressed within these pages, the primary focus here is on Napoleon's personal life and specifically his romantic interludes and interests. There are also some information as to his relationships with other men that found themsleves associated with him. But primarily it deals with a side of Napoleon not often read about in such depth and with such attention to his wives, lovers, mother and sisters. I found after finishing the book that I felt I had a much more rounded and fuller picture of Napoleon, the man, aside from his acknowledged militry genius and political standing.
I found this book hard to put down and was constanly picking it up to continue reading and the many natural breaks in the chapters allowed for being able to read the book in short time periods during the day or in longer sittings, as at night or when time permitted for longer sittings.
I would heartily reccommend this book to anyone looking or interested in learning more about the personal Napoleon or even about those women who found themselves around him during his life. If you are looking for a complete biography on him complete with all the politcal intrigue and military accomplishments, then you will be disappointed (even though these topics are touched on but not in very much depth). However, if you are looking for an enjoyable and delightful read on some of the scenarios into his personal life and to develop a more rounded picture of Napoleon, then this is the book for you.
Wretched Little Tyrant.......2005-09-11
When you consider the thousands of French citizens-most of them innocent of any wrongdoing-the French revolutionary government forcibly thrust beneath Madame Guillotine's sadistically dull blade, you cannot but wonder why the post-revolutionary government charged with running down and punishing Napoleon allowed this hubris-ridden little Corsican upstart to live.
The rivers blood on his hands! An army abandoned in Egypt. Another army abandoned and slaughtered to a man in Saint-Domingue (present day Haiti). And the infamous debacle in Russia, from which he fled to the comfort of Paris leaving the men under his command to starve and freeze in the snow.
Christopher Hibbert is a fine historian whose work I know from his outstanding "The Days of the French Revolution," which I recommend highly to anyone interested in revolutionary France. That book is why I wanted to read "Napoleon: His Wives and Women." And Mr. Hibbert does not disappoint. While modest in scope, his Napoleon is an excellent biography, although not nearly critical enough of the bloody Corsican. Unfortunately, biographers too often fall in love with their subjects, however grotesque, and tend to excuse their excesses.
There's a plethora of interesting gossip, however. Very early in their marriage, Josephine had a serious affair while Napoleon was off plundering Italy. She was so fond of her lover, she chose to ignore her husband's letters and pleas for her to visit him until he absolutely insisted. Before Napoleon, the widowed Josephine was the mistress of Paul Barras who tired of her and passed her on to the future Emperor. Who amongst us knew that?
Marie-Louise (niece of Marie Antoinette) his second wife chose not to go into exile with Napoleon, and when he died she quickly married her long-time lover with whom she already had two children. After husband number two died, she acquired a reputation for "entertaining" some of her staff including guards and sentries. Eventually, she remarried a French count.
Ah, the irony: Napoleon first declares himself Emperor, then divorces the inconveniently unroyal and infertile Josephine and--just as the legitimate heir to the throne, Louis XVI did--marries a Hapsburg Princess, thus undoing the paid-for-in-French-blood egalitarian principles of the Revolution which brought him to power. So, all of that aching the French people suffered through went for nothing more than this toad's self-empowerment. The French could teach the Greeks something about tragedy.
The notorious Bonaparte nepotism is well explored, too. Napoleon cavalierly usurped thrones all across Europe for most of his male siblings. His sisters were married off to kings, grand dukes, princes. Pauline, his favorite, was first married to young General Leclerc. Napoleon instantly promoted him to general and insisted they marry when he discovered Leclerc and seventeen-year-old Pauline getting it on behind a screen in his study! Leclerc died of yellow fever in Haiti and Pauline moved onward and socially upward to husband number two, Prince Borghese.
There are also cameo appearances by the brilliant Madame de Stael (he hated her); the beautiful Madame Racamier (he hated her too, she turned him down); Marie Walewska (he liked her, she didn't turn him down. Napoleon had lots of paramours and one-night stands, but was suspected by some of being bisexual. He was mostly celibate or impotent during the exiles on Elbe and St. Helena. He could not have helped his love life that on St Helena his bedroom was horribly infested with black rats.
Fascinating stuff. Read the book.
Romantic history of Napoleon.......2005-04-14
I must say that this book proves to be Christopher Hibbert's better efforts. This biography of Napoleon deals strictly with his relationships with all the women in his life. In the simplistic terms, this is a book about Napoleon's romantic and sexual life. The military aspects are only given as a background material. There are plenty of books on Napoleon on his military life but this one by Hibbert proves to be a rarity.
Hibbert paints a very complex but fair picture of Napoleon's relationship with all the women in his life. While Napoleon can be crude, tactless and perhaps an inept lover, he can also be affectionate, kind and caring. After reading the book, it would be easy to called Napoleon a "male chauvinist pig" as one previous reviewer did but I think he was just a man of his time when all men were basically "male chauvinist pig" in one way or another. Napoleon may have been bit more extreme then the most.
I found the book to be well written and well researched. There is a lot of in-depth look at Napoleon's personal life that comes out more strongly in this book then other books that centered strongly on his military life. His relationship with his sisters are strongly written here then most books I have read on Napoleon.
Overall, I think this book belong to any Napoleonic library.
A Compelling, Enjoyable Read.......2005-01-25
This is a very well researched book by respected historian author Christopher Hibbert. A juicy read for anyone who is interested in the intimate lives and loves of Napoleon. After reading this book, the reader will see the obsessive, selfish, domineering control freak we know of his military and political life was also part of his personal and love life too. Seems Napoleon wasn't as amorous when the woman of his desires weren't in fear of him and giving into complete submission; yet we also see a romantic, emotional man who so wanted to be loved and respected. I believe the crudeness of his behavior (at times), towards not only women, but men too, was part of his own fearful inadequacies, the so called Napoleon complex, but what a fascinating, perplexing personality he seems to have been. Regardless of Napoleon's crudeness, rude behavior and at times violent callousness, Author C. Hibbert also illustrates Napoleon's surprising acts of compassion, love and devotion to the people who knew and loved him.
This objective piece of work allows the reader to come away with his own personal opinions of the private Napoleon and the people in his life. From Napoleon's sometimes cruel, obsessive but always enduring love of Josephine - his respectful, and some say fearful love of his second wife Marie-Louise, to his lusty, conquering affections for Polish mistress, Marie Walewska. The reader also gets a glimpse of his relationship with his mother and his sisters in much more provocative light. Hibbert includes a long list of minor mistresses and female acquaintances, in full delicious details too.
This is serious study of the private man, Napoleon. We get a peek at the perks, quirks, oddities and passions of a fascinating man. `Napoleon: His Wives and Women' is an intelligent read and an important one too for the hardcore Napoleon reader.
A worthy edition to the Napoleon book collection.......2003-08-07
An interesting and well-written book. Due to its focus, it skims over some of the areas regularly covered in books about Napoleon - there is not much detail on his military exploits. But there is a lot of material on 'Napoleon the man' - there is a lot about his background growing up in Corsica; the continuing influence of his family and the favours bestowed upon them; and all the women, especially the one woman who seemed to have genuinely moved him - Josephine. There was also a lot about Napoleon's tastes, likes, annoying habits and physical attributes.
This book would probably be most worthwhile for someone looking for a different aspect in the enormous collection of writings about Napoleon available today.
Book Description
This irresistible literary love story set in Napoleonic France was inspired by the life of Sophie Blanchard, one of the first women to fly.
Bringing to mind bestselling historical novels such as I Was Amelia Earhart by Jane Mendelsohn, and Silk by Alessandro Baricco, The Little Balloonist tells the story of Sophie Blanchard's journey from the humble seaside village of La Saliere to the battlefields and court of Napoleon.
Frolicking on the beach and falling in love with her childhood friend Andre Giroux, Sophie felt she had all she would ever need. But her parents have other ideas, and they marry her off to a wealthy and much older man. Jean-Pierre Blanchard leaves much to be desired as a husband, but he teaches Sophie the workings of his giant hydrogen balloons. Soon she is flying alongside her husband, at home in the air in a way that she never was on land. After Jean-Pierre's death, Sophie gains fame throughout France for her daring feats and catches the eye of Napoleon himself, who is captivated by the petite young widow's courage. But even as Napoleon's interest becomes more intense—and therefore more dangerous—Andre returns to rekindle their lost love. Capturing a fascinating era of history, The Little Ballonist brings to life one woman's struggle to forge her own destiny. It is beautifully illustrated with seven period etchings.
Praise for Linda Donn's The Roosevelt Cousins:
“[A] powerful testament to their family, its character and its conviction.”
—JONATHAN YARDLEY, THE WASHINGTON POST
“Elegant writing, psychological insight, and useful photographs make for absorbing reading. Highly recommended.”
—LIBRARY JOURNAL
Customer Reviews:
More like 2 1/2 stars..........2007-02-25
History collides with fiction in THE LITTLE BALLOONIST set during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte.
At age 16, Sophie Armant dreams of marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Andre Giroux. Her dreams are shattered when she learns of a betrothal promised to aeronaut Jean-Pierre Blanchard. Sophie's heart never forgets Andre, however, as she eventuallly takes up her husband's career of ballooning. But Sophie's courage has caught the eye of Napoleon Bonaparte as well....
THE LITTLE BALLOONIST is the story of one woman's triumph and courage to defeat the fears that have kept her grounded. Sophie's story is bittersweet, just as real life is. The juxtaposition of factual history with Ms. Donn's creative license makes for some interesting moments as the reader tries to discern where the boundary between fact and fantasy really is.
Linda Donn's sparse prose makes THE LITTLE BALLOONIST rather confusing to anyone not intimately familiar with French history during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. Names and tiny details are cleverly dropped throughout the story but the significance may not be apparent to the casual reader. In fact, the scarcity of character development may be in part due to the author's reliance the reader's prior knowledge of the time period.
THE LITTLE BALLOONIST is certainly not for everyone. Fans of the time period, particularly fans of French history, will perhaps enjoy this fictionalized account of the rise of a real-life female balloonist. Others, such as this reviewer, may feel that the overall story is a bit rushed and that the possible depths that could have been conveyed just never emerged.
COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES
terrific biographical fiction .......2006-12-10
Wealthy inventor and dare devil Jean-Pierre Blanchard marries the much younger country bumpkin because he owes her family for saving his life when his latest contraption failed. Jean-Pierre especially enjoys soaring over the city in hot air balloons. To his shock clumsy Sophie takes to the air like a bird and is soon flying solo.
After she becomes a widow, France recognizes that a female aviator is flying. Word quickly reaches Emperor Napoleon who is sick of his wife Josephine's extramarital affairs and her waste on expensive clothing that make her look like a peacock. Instead he years for Sophie and begin s courting her at the same time her childhood friend Andre Giroux the psychic healer comes wooing her too.
THE LITTLE BALLOONIST is a terrific biographical fiction tale starring a highly admired female balloonist who could count Napoleon as one of her fans. The story line provides a deep look at the pioneer balloonists who bravely flew in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries; Jean Pierre and Sophie were real celebrities soaring above the masses. Readers will enjoy this delightful historical that uses a fascinating romantic triangle starring the emperor, the psychic and the balloonist to bring a lesser known part of Napoleonic France vividly soaring to readers.
Harriet Klausner
Linda Donn's "The Little Balloonist".......2006-06-30
This is a wonderful story about gifted, brave, and selfless characters juxtaposed with those who struggle with fear, vanity, and self absorption (including Napoleon himself). The reader is given rich historical details of life in Napoleon's France in a writing style that effortlessly combines pictorial vividness and psychological insight. Mrs. Donn is careful to bring forth her characters in all of their complexity while leaving just enough to the reader's imagination. Her loving care of them is remarkable, as are their stories.
The Little Balloonist.......2006-03-24
The Little Balloonist by Linda Donn is a wonderful story of love, loss and redemption told through the life of Sophie Blanchard, one of the first women balloonists.Sophie is a determined young woman who makes the most of adversity and forges for herself a remarkable life. Ms. Donn is a deft and poetic writer who weaves her tale with great dexterity.
Donn's first novel soars.......2006-03-08
Ms. Donn has given us a great gift, in this her first novel. It is a work that so perfectly captures the fascinating period of Napoleanic France, that one marvels at the detail and the scope of her writing. I will never forget the image Ms. Donn gives us of Napolean riding into battle, tearing out pages of the book he is reading as he proceeds with his army picking up stray pages as they blow past them. Luckily we are on much firmer ground as this novel rises with the beautiful prose of the author, and our imaginations are held by the characters and settings. The coast of Northern France is especially compelling, with the white stretches of salt, underscoring the depth of the longing of the characters for the a life of color and love. I was also intrigued by Ms. Donn's skillful musing on the nature of time, reminding us that our past can never be fully overcome, as it becomes our present. In many ways this novel very much resembles its main character. She is a woman of great beauty and power, but as ephemeral as a novel is long. I loved reading each word of this remarkable book, and eagerly await Ms. Donn's next gift to us all.
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