”A storehouse for all future writers of modern history” Athenaeum

Originally published in 1896, Thomas Power O’Connor’s intimate portrait of Napoleon covers everything from his military campaigns to his questionable table manners.

Far from a stuffy account of Napoleon’s battles and governance, O’Connor’s conversational style reveals the man behind the Emperor. This biography remains an important addition to the study of Napoleon with its personal and, at times, visceral details of the public and private life of the Emperor.

Examining contemporary French sources such as Hippolyte Taine, and with quotations from those closest to Napoleon such as Claude François Méneval, Étienne-Denis Pasquier and Josephine, O’Connor’s depiction of Napoleon is informative and entertaining in style, and far-reaching in scope.

As O’Connor guides the reader through these sources – either from devotees or detractors of Napoleon – a conflicting portrayal of the man arises that can only be expected from such a divisive and monumental figure. Brilliant but volatile, domineering but juvenile, but always – the violence of his campaigns appears rooted in his chaotic personality.

Nevertheless, O’Connor shows that one link remains unbroken throughout Napoleon’s life: his fierce ambition.

Perhaps this is what drew the leader of the United Irish League and the “Father of the House of Commons” to his subject.

T. P. O’Connor (1848-1929) was a journalist and MP. His mastery of French and German led him to report from the Franco-Prussian War following his sub-editorship of The Daily Telegraph. He was elected into the House of Commons in 1880 and was then continuously re-elected for 49 years and 215 days running as a proponent for Home Rule and Irish nationalism.