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 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,

a good reference book

Good background reading for A level students.

Excellent! Can't wait to read it.

Great book.

For some reason I failed to buy this book when it came out, only a few years after the 2003 invasion in Iraq. This event must have influenced Paul Strathern when writing this book, judging from the attention he gives to futile French attempts to bestow the benefits of their civilisation upon the unwilling and unreceptive Egyptians, and convert the latter into surrogate Frenchmen - revolutionary or otherwise.Very glad I finally got around to buying and reading it, prompted amongst others by reading Moorehead's excellent 'Blue Nile' in which the French invasion of Egypt is one of the main storylines. Quite simply, 'Napoleon in Egypt' is one of the very best history books I have read - and I am not even a particular fan of Napoleon and his antics. The writing is off the scale good, perceptive and evocative. And full of amazing anecdotes to boot. Strathern (who seems mostly focused on renaissance Italy judging by his other books) obviously masters the subject matter so well that I doubt anyone can outdo this book. Five stars, easily!