Books Like...

'Napoleon' by Alexandre Dumas, part of the Non-Fiction series, explores the life and struggles of Thomas Alexandre Dumas, a former slave who became a respected general in Napoleon's army. The plot delves into the complex relationship between General Dumas and Napoleon, highlighting the challenges faced by Dumas, including imprisonment and poverty, despite his significant contributions to the French military. The writing style of the book intertwines historical facts with personal narratives, shedding light on the untold story of a remarkable figure in history.

This well researched biography of one of the great men of history is well worth reading for anyone interested in nineteenth century history or its further implications for today. Roberts compares mountains of previous biographies as well as documents discovered as recently as the last decade in order to give a balanced view of the man and his amazing career. Despite the length, it is nevertheless a concise history, answering all the main questions about Napoleon's rise and fall, the times he lived in and the major characters, both political and personal, involved. Roberts is an obvious admirer of the man, but spends a lot of time analyzing the character flaws and weaknesses that ultimately kept him from achieving his ultimate goals. The book is well written, enjoyable to read.

Andrew Roberts makes a good set of choices and provides a good overview of the life and work of Napoleon. The book is, however, a challenge to read, particularly on a Kindle. You need to have a good understanding of European geography which the maps in the Kindle edition are not up to. I needed to use an atlas while reading the book. You also have a challenge to keep up with all of the people mentioned in the book. Finally, I found the description of the battles somewhat weak in comparison to other military history books. Despite these challenges, the book is a good way to get acquainted with Napoleon.

'The Man in the Iron Mask' by Alexandre Dumas is the final installment in the series 'Three Musketeers / d'Artagnan Romances'. It follows the political intrigue and adventures of the four musketeers - Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and d'Artagnan. The plot revolves around a failed attempt by two former musketeers to place the identical twin of Louis XIV on the throne, leading to a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and French court politics.

The book is known for its rich historical setting in 18th century France, with intricate plot twists and well-developed characters. The writing style of Alexandre Dumas is described as compelling, transporting readers to the French court filled with corruption, swashbuckling sword fights, and daring political schemes.

Hilary Mantel has written a very long book about the French Revolution, focusing on the Great Terror. The story follows three main protagonists - Danton, Robespierre, and Desmoulins, along with a myriad of other characters, capturing the complexities and intricacies of the era. The narrative delves into the internal struggles of the Revolutionaries, torn between impending invasion by outside forces and the potential for civil war within their own ranks.

"The Stars' Tennis Balls" by Stephen Fry is a modern retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, focusing on a young man named Ned Maddstone who is set up and wrongly imprisoned. The plot follows Ned's journey of revenge against those who betrayed him, showcasing dark themes and complex character development. Stephen Fry's writing style is described as a clever mix of wit, humor, and darkness, offering a gripping and thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged.

'Scaramouche' by Rafael Sabatini is a swashbuckling tale set during the French Revolution, following the life of the protagonist, Andre Louis Moreau. After his friend is killed in a duel by an aristocrat, Andre seeks revenge and embarks on a journey that leads him to become an actor, a fencing master, a politician, and a revolutionary. The book is filled with adventure, romance, political intrigue, and historical events, providing a vivid portrayal of Revolutionary France. The writing style is described as clever, engaging, and fast-paced, with witty dialogue and a complex protagonist that evolves throughout the story.

'Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane' by Andrew Graham-Dixon is a comprehensive biography that delves deep into the life and works of the enigmatic painter Caravaggio. The author provides detailed descriptions of Caravaggio's paintings and skillfully dispels popular myths surrounding the artist, leaving readers with a profound understanding of this remarkable figure. The book is a mix of biography and art appreciation, offering insights into Caravaggio's tumultuous life and the impact of his works on the author himself.

'Twenty Years After' by Alexandre Dumas is a gripping sequel to 'The Three Musketeers', following the lives of D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis two decades later. The book delves into court politics, historical events such as the trial and execution of King Charles I, and the adventures of the musketeers as they navigate political intrigue and maintain their bond amidst conflicts and challenges. Dumas' writing style is described as clear, accessible, and filled with historical accuracy, providing insight into character motivations and societal divisions while delivering a fast-paced and engaging narrative.

'The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody' by Will Cuppy is a humorous take on historical figures throughout history. Cuppy's writing style is described as light-hearted and witty, filled with well-researched tidbits and footnotes that add layers of humor to the stories. The book is a mix of historical rigor and personal remarks from Cuppy, creating an enthralling and hilarious approach to learning about famous and infamous characters from ancient times to the Victorian era.

Cuppy's book is praised for its informative yet amusing content, with readers highlighting the masterpieces of humor found in chapters dedicated to figures like Charlemagne and Atilla. The footnotes at the bottom of each page are particularly noted for showcasing Cuppy's exceptional sense of humor, making the reading experience both educational and entertaining.

'John Adams' by David McCullough is a detailed biography that delves into the life of the second President of the United States. The book covers Adams' role in the founding of the nation, his relationships with other founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson, and his personal life, including his marriage to Abigail Adams. The writing style is described as thorough, well-researched, and at times, dense with historical information, making it a comprehensive account of Adams' life and times.