Book Review of Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts

This book review of Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts is part of my World History Reading Quest.

This book review of Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for helping to support the content on this site.

It’s safe to say that before reading Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts, I didn’t know much about Napoleon beyond the basics. You know, big personality, short stature guy (which turns out to be a myth), hand in his coat, conquered a lot of Europe, lost at Waterloo. That was pretty much it. But I’ve always been fascinated by history, especially the late 1700s and early 1800s, and Napoleon’s name comes up a lot when you dive into that era.

When I started planning my world history reading cycle, I knew I was going to focus on this time period in Europe. And to my very pleasant surprise, Roberts didn’t disappoint in my exploration of that time period. This book is packed with details about Napoleon’s life, but it’s also written in a way that even a history newbie like me can follow. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fascinating ride through one of the most complicated, ambitious, and polarizing lives in history.

Historical Context

Napoleon Bonaparte lived in one of the most chaotic and exciting times in European history. The French Revolution had just flipped everything upside down, and the old monarchies of Europe were trying to figure out what the heck to do about it. Napoleon rose out of this chaos and became, well, Napoleon—the guy who crowned himself emperor and shook up the entire continent.

What’s cool about Roberts’ book is how he places Napoleon right in the middle of all this madness. You really get a sense of how the revolution and its ideals shaped him, even as he became the kind of authoritarian ruler it was supposed to prevent. It’s also crazy to see how the wars he fought didn’t just define his life but also shaped Europe’s future.

My Review

Strengths

First off, Roberts clearly knows his stuff. The guy uses a ton of sources, including Napoleon’s own letters (all 33,000 of them!). That makes the book feel super authoritative but not in a boring, textbook way. Roberts gives you the facts but also adds enough storytelling flair to keep it interesting.

I loved how the book balanced Napoleon’s genius with his flaws. It’s easy to paint him as either a total hero or a total villain, but I thought Roberts did a great job showing both sides in a balanced way. Obviously Napoleon was a brilliant strategist and reformer. I mean, he created the Napoleonic Code, which still influences legal systems today. But he was also ruthless and had an incredibly self-destructive ego – overconfidence is a real thing!

Another big plus is the way Roberts describes the battles. I was worried these parts would be dry or hard to follow, but they’re actually super engaging. You don’t need to be a military expert to appreciate how Napoleon outsmarted his enemies time and again. The way Roberts breaks it all down makes you feel like you’re right there on the battlefield.

Weaknesses

As much as I liked this book, clearly it’s not perfect. For one thing, it’s long and pretty dense. At nearly 1,000 pages, it’s certainly not a quick read. If you’re not already interested in Napoleon or the time period, it will probably feel like a good bit of effort to stay focused in places.

It’s also pretty clear that Roberts is a fan of Napoleon. While he doesn’t shy away from criticizing him, it’s obvious Roberts admires Napoleon a lot. So, I think some parts of the book start to feel a little too forgiving. Especially when it comes to things like Napoleon’s treatment of women or the way he crushed dissent. If you’re looking for a completely neutral take, I don’t know if this is 100% it.

Lastly, the sheer amount of detail can be overwhelming for some readers. There were times when I felt like I was drowning in names, dates, and places. It’s not impossible to follow, but you might need to pause and take a breather now and then.

Who Should Read This

If you’re curious about Napoleon but don’t know where to start, this book is a great choice. It’s detailed enough for history buffs but accessible enough for amateurs like me. That said, you’ll probably enjoy it more if you already have some interest in the era. If you’re completely new to European history, the sheer scope of the book might be a bit much.

It’s also a must-read for anyone who loves military history or biographies of larger-than-life figures. Napoleon’s story is the definition of “truth is stranger than fiction,” and Roberts brings it to life in a way that’s both informative and entertaining.

Parting Thoughts

So, do I recommend you read Napoleon: A Life? Yes. For sure. But just know that it’s a hefty book, and so it may not be at the level everyone is looking for – I wouldn’t say it’s a casual read, even for a history lover. But if you’re willing to put in the time, I can definitely say confidently that you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of not just Napoleon but also the world he lived in.

For me, the best part was how human Roberts made Napoleon feel. He wasn’t just a general or an emperor—he was a flawed, ambitious, sometimes downright crazy guy who managed to change history in ways we’re still feeling today.

If you’re on the fence, I say go for it. Even if you don’t become a full-on Napoleon fan, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for one of history’s most fascinating figures. And who knows? You might even feel inspired to learn more about the era—because, let’s face it, it’s a pretty wild time in history.

So I say grab a copy, clear some space on your bookshelf, and dive on in! I don’t think you’ll regret it.

---

Thanks for reading my book review of Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts! If you like this review or you would like to see something different in my reviews, please feel free to leave me some feedback!

Other Books You Might Enjoy

• Book review of Columbus: The Four Voyages by Laurence Bergreen
• Book review of Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris

About the Author

Andrew Roberts is a British historian and author, best known for his biographies and works on military history. He has written several best-selling books, including Napoleon: A Life, which received wide acclaim. Roberts has also written about Winston Churchill and World War II. His books have earned prestigious awards, such as the W.H. Smith Literary Award. He has been a visiting professor at various universities and frequently appears as a commentator on history in the media. Roberts’ writing is known for its depth of research and engaging storytelling. His work has made him one of the leading historians of his generation.