The author of this book is an American university professor. This is a little unusual, in that most English-language history dealing with Napoleon is either a translation of something or British. Connelly wrote a book on Napoleon's family some time ago, but never before (that I know of) ventured into military history. That makes this book unusual too. But most unusual of all is the author's view of Napoleon on the battlefield. Connelly presents Napoleon as a soldier very concious of his own appearance in history, always looking in the mirror to make sure his coat's straight and his shoes are shined. He gives examples of Bonaparte's ego: the official Imperial account of the Battle of Marengo was rewritten several times to make sure everyone understood that the original surprise wasn't Napoleon's fault, and the late reinforcements commanded by General Desaix (which decided the battle in the French favor) had nothing to do with the French victory. The author refers to Napoleon as the "scrambler" and makes much of his energy and aggressiveness, which he credits with a great deal of Napoleon's reputation. An entertaining and lively reinterpretation of the great general's battlefield victories that should provoke discussion among any group of Napoleonic
buffs.

Scholarly Resources  ISBN 0842022317

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