Napoleon's Men and Methods: the Rise and Fall of the Emperor and His Men Who Fought by His Side

An alternative view of Napoleon and the men of the First Empire

The author of this book, Alexander Kielland, was a Norwegian academic who had embarked upon a study of the Congress of Vienna when he became, by his own admission, captivated by the personality of the Emperor of the French. That fascination led to the writing of this book which looks upon the career, character traits and methods of the management of power and war of one of the most significant figures in European history. It is clear that Kielland has his own take on his subject and there will be those who take issue with him on some of his conclusions. Nevertheless, this campaign by campaign chronicle of the rise and fall of Napoleon is an absorbing book in which readers will find themselves compulsively reading on; this is in some measure as a result of the large number of 'Napoleon's Men, ' considerably more than the usual shortlist of principal characters so often acknowledged, who are introduced within the text. The cast is impressive and small details of how Napoleon touched their lives, their weaknesses, moments of note and their ultimate fates make this account distinctive. Kielland also provides insights into members of the Bonaparte and Beauharnais families and their two-way relationships with Napoleon. The nationality of the writer is of course significant since he has no particular nationalistic 'axe to grind' regarding those about whom he writes, either individually or as nations. Kielland's impartiality helps him to offer the reader insights which are notable in that they are often quite different to those that more partisan observers could possibly offer on the same personalities, countries, causes or events. For those who have a fascination for the Napoleonic Wars this is an interesting and highly entertaining addition to its study. Available in softcover or hardback with dustjacket for collectors.

Alexander Lange Kielland (18 February 1849 - 6 April 1906) was one of the most famous Norwegian authors of the 19th century. Born in Stavanger, Norway, he grew up in a rich merchant family. Even though he was born rich he had a sincere affection for the less fortunate. And he treated his workers well when he was a factory owner. He remained a spokesman for the weak and a critic of society throughout his time as a writer. Among his most famous works are the novels Garman & Worse (1880), Skipper Worse (1882), and Poison (Gift, 1883). His short stories are also well known.