Napoleon For Dummies
Adult/High School-This book is divided into 10 parts, each consisting of 3 to 4 short chapters that focus on a general theme, such as how Napoleon built his empire, how he lost it, why some of his reforms and ideas were so revolutionary, and the impact he had on Europe. Markham also addresses such issues as Napoleon's height, why he was portrayed with his hand in his vest, and whether he really divorced his 47-year-old wife to marry an 18-year-old princess. The author writes as if he were engaged in a conversation with readers rather than as a noted scholar. He keeps the sections in each chapter long enough to convey important information, but short enough to hold casual readers' attention. The text is interspersed with dry humor that takes on a rhythm of its own that, combined with the numerous cartoons that place Napoleon in humorous or absurd situations, will keep readers amused. Numerous high-quality photographs are appropriately placed throughout the text. A useful general reference.-Robert Burnham, Robert E. Lee High School, Springfield, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.