"A compelling narrative of an epic collision between two civilizations.... Evok[ing] the incredible hardships endured by French soldiers in an unforgiving land. At the same time, he offers a poignant view of a Muslim society overwhelmed by invaders. ... Strathern's skillful use of memoir and other primary sources brings to life one of the most fascinating campaigns in military history."--
Library Journal, starred review
"In between the battle scenes, Strathern paints a portrait of Napoleon the man, sketching his humiliation over wife Josephine's infidelities and his implausibly lofty ideals, which spawned a generation of Romantic artists."--
Kirkus Reviews "Paul Strathern's enthralling description of this bizarre imperial adventure reads like Conrad's
Heart of Darkness....As a piece of storytelling, it is a masterpiece."
--Daily Telegraph "As a stirring narrative of doomed military endeavour, [Strathern's] book could hardly be bettered." --
Sunday Times "Ambitious and wonderfully detailed saga...Strathern admirably balances the various legacies of the expedition while keeping the focus on its military character." --
Financial Times Magazine "Those looking for an exciting, comprehensive narrative history of the whole expedition are advised to hunt down [this book]." --Tom Reiss, author of
The Orientalist "Very entertaining and well-written book. Strathern is very careful about his sources . . . so that a finely balanced picture emerges." --
Times Literary Supplement "A well-written, fast-paced narrative . . . This book is a welcome and readable addition to the ever-growing library of books about this French colossus." --
BBC History Magazine "[Strathern] has written a stirring narrative of the Egyptian adventure, which simultaneously demonstrates how Napoleon's experiences in Egypt foreshadowed many aspects of his later rule in France....This is popular narrative history at its best."
-- Independent "Superb . . . Strathern tells the appalling tale of the forced marches across endless deserts . . . with commendable gusto." --
Sunday Telegraph "Illuiminating....
Napoleon in Egypt is undoubtedly the finest account of the Savants and their contribution to the fields of archaeology, ancient history, and botany to date.... A necessary addition to any Napoleonic shelf."--
Christian Science Monitor
A new book by the author of the immensely successful The Medici. The extraordinary story of Napoleon's 18-month Egyptian adventure and his dream of world power.