Napoleon in Egypt: 'The Greatest Glory'

This is one of the best books about Napoleon I have read - indeed it is one of the most enjoyable and informative works of history that I have ever read. Setting out the whole of Napoleon's conquest and administration of Egypt from 1798 to 1801, as well as the build up and aftermath, this account sheds a generally favourable light on what Napoleon and his armies and scientists tried to achieve there, including the political reforms, and the scientific works which were planned and undertaken.Paul Strathern makes clear that Napoleon's Egyptian campaign was conceived according to the ideals of the French Revolution, and there is little doubt that the French participants saw themselves as bringing enlightenment knowledge and values to those who were unaware of them, and believed that this could only benefit the inhabitants of Egypt. The Egyptians saw it all rather differently of course, and all this is fully explained, and set in the context of the times, in this superbly written book. This is not a blind celebration of Napoleon, however, and the author does not shy away from criticism of some of Napoleon's actions, nor does he hide that several of his generals were unhappy about some of the decisions and actions taken.The Egyptian point of view is also given fairly. It is clear that whilst several Egyptians warmed to Napoleon's rule, most remained implacably opposed to the French presence, and the mutual incomprehension between believers in the enlightenment and followers of Islam caused numerous difficulties .In many ways the administration of Egypt acted as dress rehearsal for Napoleon's subsequent actions as leader of France, and conqueror of Europe, and this account is all the more fascinating as a result.This is a very readable and very enjoyable book, from which I learned a great deal, and it will certainly form part of my permanent library. This really is an essential book for anyone interested in revolutionary France, Napoleon, Egypt or just history in general.

To understand Europe in the 20th century, you have to understand the 19th; to understand the 19th, you have to understand Napoleon; and to understand Napoleon, you have to read this book. Napoleon - or just plain General Bonaparte, as he was then - was already a highly successful soldier and strategist in 1798, despite being only 29 years old. But it was when he hatched and delivered on a plan to invade Egypt that we see the first real signs of who he was and what he was to become: the megalomaniac who just wanted to rule. It's all here: the ambition, the charisma, and the brilliantly devised and ineptly executed plans that would lose thousands of lives and yet seem like strategic masterstrokes from which he would emerge unsullied. Everything that went wrong for him in Russia went wrong first in the Middle East. But the expedition is worthy of note for another reason, also brought to life here. It was thanks to him that Europeans first began to get a glimpse of the ancient history of Egypt and the rest of the world, and huge breakthroughs were made in our understanding of anthropology, archaeology and science generally.

To anyone fascinated by History and especially Napoleon's odyssey , this must In my view rank as one of the very best books ever written about the subject, along two acknowledged masterpieces like Adam zamoyski's 1812 and Alistair Horne' s Far from Austerlitz.This an impressively detailed and engrossing account of General Bonaparte' early years as the charismatic and ambitious leader in his Egyptian campaign.This is far from being simply an account of a military campaign in a far-away land.it is a lot more than that. The insight into the soldiers' and natives' lives, the detailed description of the Egyptian way of life,the scorching heat of the desert, the freezing nights, the thirst, the diseases, the fascinating wealth of a great civilisation,...are just a few of the reasons why you must read Paul Strachern's book. Enjoyment guaranteed !

I fully endorse all the other five star reviews this is history as it should be written, full of insight and with wonderful vignettes of the people involved.It is a real page turner and there are not many history books that one can say that about,written in a really engrossing manner,

Good background reading for A level students.

a good reference book

Excellent! Can't wait to read it.

Great book.