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The Memoirs of Count Rapp
The much wounded Count Rapp recounts his services under the Emperor Napoleon across Europe and into the depths of Russia. His frequent battlefield exploits, including a decisive charge with the Imperial Guard cavalry at Austerlitz, are balanced by polished descriptions of the court of the First Empire. Rapp's rise is charted from obscurity in the armies of the Republic to catching the attention of General Desaix whilst fighting on the Rhine, and thereafter General Bonaparte in Egypt and Italy, to the pinnacle of rank as the Emperor's first aide-de-camp, General de Division, and Count of the Empire.
318 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
June 15, 2020
I wanted to like this book, because I have a fascination with the Napoleonic Era.
Unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy this book because of how dry it is. I understand these are Jean Rapp's memoirs, but that just leads me to believe Rapp had zero story-telling ability. The most interesting piece comes at page 200, and in book with about 239 pages of actual text this is quite unsatisfying.
Why does the book start after Napoleon is Emperor? Why didn't Rapp write about his early years, or his time in Egypt? I believe he wrote this book to provide a different look at Napoleon himself. After the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon didn't have a great reputation throughout Europe. Rapp was quite close with the Emperor, and probably took exception to this popular view. He seems to have written his memoirs, which frequently feel like a little brother writing about how cool and strong his older brother is, in order to redeem his former master.
If you have any interest in this book, I can tell you it is not worth it. You won't learn anything new about Napoleon. Rapp worships at his altar and completely ignores how the Emperor treated his wife Josephine, or how he threw away his soldiers. On top of that, you won't learn anything about Rapp. Just like fellow Alsatian Michel Ney, he was quite a reserved man. He also stuffed his memoirs with letters sent between himself and the Emperor, or to various sovereigns of European nations. There's little to no personality in this book and absolutely no new perspective to be attained.
Unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy this book because of how dry it is. I understand these are Jean Rapp's memoirs, but that just leads me to believe Rapp had zero story-telling ability. The most interesting piece comes at page 200, and in book with about 239 pages of actual text this is quite unsatisfying.
Why does the book start after Napoleon is Emperor? Why didn't Rapp write about his early years, or his time in Egypt? I believe he wrote this book to provide a different look at Napoleon himself. After the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon didn't have a great reputation throughout Europe. Rapp was quite close with the Emperor, and probably took exception to this popular view. He seems to have written his memoirs, which frequently feel like a little brother writing about how cool and strong his older brother is, in order to redeem his former master.
If you have any interest in this book, I can tell you it is not worth it. You won't learn anything new about Napoleon. Rapp worships at his altar and completely ignores how the Emperor treated his wife Josephine, or how he threw away his soldiers. On top of that, you won't learn anything about Rapp. Just like fellow Alsatian Michel Ney, he was quite a reserved man. He also stuffed his memoirs with letters sent between himself and the Emperor, or to various sovereigns of European nations. There's little to no personality in this book and absolutely no new perspective to be attained.
Displaying 1 of 1 review