The Life of Napoleon Buonaparte, Emperor of the French
With a Preliminary View of the French Revolution

A detailed biography of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) containing a review of the French Revolution, first published in 1827.

Walter Scott (Author)

9781108023184, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 December 2010

644 pages
21.6 x 14 x 3.6 cm, 0.81 kg

Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a prolific Scottish poet and historical novelist who was one of the most popular romantic novelists of the nineteenth century. After studying law at Edinburgh University, Scott first started writing at the age of 25. Having made his name as a poet, he wrote the phenomenally successful novel Waverley in 1814 and was made a baronet in 1820. These volumes, first published in 1827, contain Scott's detailed biography of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821). Including a detailed review of the French Revolution, Scott focuses on Napoleon's legacy to France and his military genius, purposefully remaining non-partisan and discussing Napoleon's life and achievements without bias. The result of extensive research and correspondence with Napoleon's surviving colleagues, these volumes were extremely successful and remain valuable for the study of Napoleon's life and changing public reaction. Volume 7 covers 1809–1812, including Napoleon's Russian campaign.

1. Change which took place in Napoleon's domestic life, after the Peace of Presburg
2. Almost all the foreign French settlements fall into the hands of the British
3. Change in Napoleon's principles of government
4. Gustavus IV of Sweden is dethroned and succeeded by his uncle
5. View of Napoleon's gigantic power at the present period
6. Retrospect of the causes leading to the rupture with Russia
7. Allies on whose assistance Buonaparte might count
8. Napoleon's plan of the campaign against Russia
9. Proceedings of the army under Prince Bagration
10. Napoleon detaches Murat and other generals in pursuit of the Russians
11. On 14th September Napoleon reaches Moscow, which he finds deserted by the inhabitants
12. Murat's armistice broken off
13. Napoleon divides his army into four corps, which leave Smolensk on their retreat towards Poland
14. Napoleon determines to return to Paris
15. Effects of Napoleon's return upon the Parisians
16. Murat leaves the Grand Army abruptly
17. State of the French Grand Army
18. Change in the results formerly produced by the French victories
19. Amount and distribution of the French army at the resumption of hostilities
20. Military proceedings in the north of Germany, in which the French were generally unsuccessful
21. Napoleon reaches Leipsic on the 15th of October
22. Details of the retreat of the French from Germany.

Subject Areas: European history [HBJD]