This book, borrowed from a local Library, proved enjoyable and valuable reading which gave a comprehensive insight into the Emperor's life. Beginning with his birth and schooling, the book follows Napoleon's swift progress to power, eventual downfall at the hands of Blucher and Wellington, and death on the remote, lonely island of St. Helena.

Cronin states in his preface that his intention is to portray Napoleon as a "living, breathing man," so often lacking in standard fact books, and in this he succeeds splendidly. Clear narrative and realistic speech give the book a novel feel in parts and, together with Cronin's fresh approach to the subject, adds a whole new dimension.

However, wargamers or people fascinated by the Man's military genius will find this biography somewhat unsatisfactory. It has been written to deal primarily with Napoleon himself and campaigns last. As the preface readily admits, this is "quieter than most books about Napoleon in the sense that there is less gunfire." This is certainly true. So much so, in fact, that Austerlitz - Bonaparte's favourite victory - receives only the briefest of mentions, as do several other notable encounters of the Napoleonic Wars.

Perhaps this could be excused, for what there is about "The Little Corporal" is very good indeed, but one has the feeling that the book paints only half the picture - much like refighting Waterloo on the games table but using no Cavalry!

There are no diagrams or battle plans, either, which undoubtedly would have helped, just the odd black and white portrait of the Emperor and the people he knew.

The greatest error I found, however, comes in Cronin's description of Waterloo. He simply states that "He (Napoleon) had been fit; the story of haemorrhoids is a myth" yet gives no evidence whatsoever to back up this claim! Considenng the vast quantity of literature written on this campaign, and most of them in agreement that the Emperor was ill at the time of battle. It is surprising that Cronin honestly believes his word will be taken as gospel.

For a study of Bonaparte's non-military career, then, this book is a must (despite the inaccuracy stated above). Anyone wishing to learn more about his campaigning years will obviously find it a huge disappointment. They would do better to perhaps use this book in conjunction with other works to gain a greater insight into the man as a whole as hundreds concerning his battle tactics are available on the market. Perhaps it is this very fact why Cronin decided against the "battlefield and bloodshed" view, and for this he should receive some thanks.

Therefore in summing up, I must say that this book is flawed but worth a read if just for the different approach to the subject. I would, of course, look forwards to an extended version which deals more with the warfare aspect of his career, as then the book would no doubt receive the credit which it so very nearly deserves.

--David O'Conner