The French Revolution and Napoleonic Era

Rating:
Summary: It's all here
Review: I completely agree with the previous review in every respect except I feel the book deserves more stars, given the "rating inflation" prevalent with so many of the titles reviewed. I wouldn't want anyone to be put off getting this book. Connelly has squeezed an incredible amount of information into a small amount of space. As usual, he is clear and entertaining. People interested in the period should check out his other titles.

Rating:
Summary: It's all here
Review: I completely agree with the previous review in every respect except I feel the book deserves more stars, given the "rating inflation" prevalent with so many of the titles reviewed. I wouldn't want anyone to be put off getting this book. Connelly has squeezed an incredible amount of information into a small amount of space. As usual, he is clear and entertaining. People interested in the period should check out his other titles.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Text by a Great Teacher
Review: I had the pleasure of having Professor Conelly this past summer for a class on the French Revolution and Napoleon at the University of South Carolina. This book was the only text for the class. Reading a book is one thing, but hearing it straight from the horse's mouth is another entirely.

I didn't realize just how well known and respected he was until I saw him interviewed on a NOVA special on Napoleon. Trust me, this guy knows what he's talking about, and he writes a simple, concise, easy-to-read explanation of France from 1789 - 1815.

Rating:
Summary: Just Enough
Review: Ideal for those starting out on their study of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era (as one would expect from a university history text), Owen Connelly's modest volume has much to recommend it: fresh, readable style; decent maps, a comprehensive bibliography (pointing the way for future purchases!) and quite a few interesting little kernels that one seldom comes across. I particularly enjoyed his insights into the siblings of Napoleon; Jerome's sponsorship of Gauss, Louis' campaign for breast-feeding, Joseph's conversion of El Prado into an art museum. I heartily recommend this book as an excellent staging ground for future operations into the hinterlands of Napoleonic literature. I also recommend Connelly's BLUNDERING TO GLORY as a vey good next step on your journey.