Napoleon: The Man Who Shaped Europe

by Ben Weider and Emile Gueguen

In this text Weider gives the reader a complete synopsis of the life, times and works of Napolean. Topics covered include Napolean's civic and military achievements, and his philosophy and character. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1862270783
• ISBN13: 9781862270787
• Release Date: September 2000
• Publisher: Howell Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A Defense of Radicalism

Before purchasing this book, it is important to realize what exactly it is that you are purchasing. This book, "The Man Who Shaped Europe," is a reactionary book. As Mr. Dupont noted in a previous review, the book is hardly objective. However, that should not be a surprise, as Ben Weider was renowned as an avowed admirer of the Emperor. Nevertheless, the facts of the book are not in question; only its judgment of the person is questionable, depending on one's own subjective viewpoint. Let me re-emphasize that crucial point: the factuality of the book is not in question. It is a thorough examination of many developments made during Napoleon's life as a result of his actions, and in truth, no real historian can argue that Napoleon did not shape modern Europe. The book is not a biography on the man, nor does it examine all of his effects. The author's blatant positive bias is in effect meant to combat the equally blatant bias that is found in the majority of other books on the subject, except in the negative. The purpose of the book, as the title implies, is explicitly to observe the positive developments he is responsible for, and at that the book does a terrific job and presents the information in a fascinating and easy-to-follow manner. The only real objection that I have is one that I have with several other of Weider's books: the lack of a bibliography. The only consolation to be had is the private knowledge of his qualifications and quality of his research, having known him while he was alive, but it the absence of the bibliography is still a grievance I hold. The book is a great review of the effect of Napoleon on Europe, but if you're looking for a biography of the man or a work devoid of bias of any sort, this is not for you. Know what you want, and purchase accordingly. Nevertheless, the book is well-written and factually accurate, making it a useful addition to any enthusiast's library.

Ben Weider delivers ground-breaking evidence!

Napoleon: The Man Who Shaped Europe by Ben Weider helped me understand Napoleon better than any other book. It is so clearly written and very compelling, I just couldn't put it down. Numerous biographies of Napoleon are available, but this work is the most straightforward, convincing biography I've ever read. Napoleon Bonaparte's character and achievements have always divided critics and commentators, but in this new book by Ben Weider, I felt I have "met" a Napoleon that is totally different from all the other books I've read. Weider has established his credentials as one of the most evocative of popular historians. It's a must read!!

Very Compelling, I just couldn't put it down.

I find Napoleon fascinating and the book excellent. From what I read, I certainly now believe Napoleon was misunderstood and his death misdiagnosed. Ben Weider has changed history forever with his groundbreaking evidence that Napoleon was murdered and his research shows that there is still much to learn about Napoleon. I learned a great deal about not only Napoleon, one of the world's leading men, but of the happenings in Europe during his era. When I first saw this book available for sale, I could not wait to read it. I am really pleased that I bought it!!