The Story of Napoleon

by H.E. Marshall, Allan Stewart (Illustrator)

A thrilling account of Napoleon's rise to power, from his humble beginnings on the island of Corsica to emperor over half of Europe. Focuses on his military exploits, including his victories in battle after battle, followed by his exile to the island of Elba, his subsequent return to lead the disastrous Russian campaign, his final loss at Waterloo, and his last days on the lonely island of St. Helena. A volume in the highly-acclaimed Children's Heroes series, edited by John Lang.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, School, Childrens

100 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2007

About the author

Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (usually credited as H.E. Marshall) was a Scottish author, particularly well known for her works of popular national history for children.

H.E. Marshall is famous for her 1905 children's history of England, Our Island Story: A History of England for Boys and Girls, illustrated by A. S. Forrest. In the USA the book was entitled An Island Story. The book was a bestseller, was printed in numerous editions, and for fifty years was the standard and much-loved book by which children learned the history of England. However a lot of this book is historically inaccurate and much of it uses Shakespeare's plays for historical sources; for example, the section of Richard III is really a summary of the play. The book is still to be found in schools and homes, but the last printing was in 1953 and it went out of print in the 1960s. In 2005, an alliance of the Civitas think-tank and various national newspapers brought the book back into print, with the aim of sending a free copy to each of the UK's primary schools. Readers of The Daily Telegraph contributed £25,000 to the cost of the reprint.

She was educated at a girls' boarding school called Laurel Bank, in Melrose. Between 1901 and 1904 she was the superintendent of a hall of residence for female students at the University of Glasgow, but, otherwise, she appears to have made her living throughout her life by writing. She never married.

As is made clear by the Prefaces of her books from time to time, she travelled extensively after 1904, including to Melbourne, California and China, although her obituary in The Times stated that she spent most of her life in Oxford and in London, where she died.

Reviews

[Pat the Book Goblin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect example how little nerds grow up and take over the world...literally. Lesson one, DO NOT bully a nerd. Because one day, they will grow up and kick your ass. And that is exactly what he did.

The Story of Shorty begins when he was a boy, talks about his rise to power, expeditions to Egypt, and Russia, talks about a few battles, and ends with his death. Cut and dry. 10 chapters total. Quick read.

[gloriabluestocking · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars, keeping in mind this is written for children.
Necessarily simplified, but the writing was not dumbed-down, and it held my interest.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The kids and I briefly read about Napoleon for school, but I really wanted to learn more about him. My ten year old has been reading this book as a school assignment. Since I don’t have time or energy to read a weighty biography of Napoleon, I read this book instead in one day. It was short and gave a good overview of Napoleon’s character and story. He’s an interesting historical figure to say the least. I’ve always loved Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and it gives it more weight knowing the story behind it (Napoleon’s loss in Russia). Sometimes this book seemed a little rushed, but it was written for children and covered a very complicated time in history. It did exactly what I wanted it to: gave me an overview of Napoleon in one afternoon.

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, basic account of the feisty conqueror’s life and battles. I especially enjoyed listening to his adventures into Egypt and taking his army over the Alps into Prussia. It’s too bad for him he didn’t accept his first exile to the Italian islands of Elba. He could have lived out his life there amongst his own people. Hell, they even let him retain his title of Emperor and keep a small army. But he just had to try to retake France.

[Daniel Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook. Pretty easy and factual.

[Kelsie Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with the kids for History. Quick, factual, easy to digest. Nothing notable. Napoleon however…. Endlessly fascinating.

[Roberto D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 179 out of 200 books
"The Story of Napoleon" by HE Marshall

A Children's tale in only about 40 pages in my edition, "The Story of Napoleon" is A children's work by HE Marshall, a Scottish historian, who aims on teaching the French Emperor Napoleon on a bright light to children interested in history.

MY THOUGHTS:
I Honestly thought that this wasn't for kids as it didn't cross my mind. I thought that this book would be an easy read because it is just around 40 pages. Well, I was right but why was I reading a children's work after all? I should've read the synopsis and the fact that this was a children's tale!

Anyway, this work was quite an average read, I forgot things about Napoleon but I was able to remember things. The British were kind of painted on a bad light in this book, I have to agree with the other reviews for this book on Goodreads. Anyway, a great book if ever I have a child I'd be happy to let them read this work for school or for pleasure.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a relatively short read covering the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. For its shortness, however, it puts a decent amount of detail from his early years growing up, his interest in military things, education, initial military experience, his rise through the ranks to commander of the troops and eventually Emperor. He developed a loyal following among many of his troops and had many successful military campaigns until his final defeat at Waterloo. I had previously read a lengthy book focused just on the Battle of Waterloo but I chose this book because it helps put Napoleon's path through life in an easily understood perspective. I will have to read more at a later time. Great read for anyone who wants to have a quick understanding of Napoleon's successes and failures.

[Sotiris Makrygiannis · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Story of Napoleon" by H.E. Marshall offers a concise and engaging account of Napoleon Bonaparte's life and the impact of his era, making it an excellent introduction to this iconic historical figure. Marshall's narrative skillfully captures the rise and fall of Napoleon, making the book a compelling read for those interested in history. The punishment at the end was the most interesting honour and respect by his enemies.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in preparation for my son’s homeschool year with Revival to Revolution through Heart of Dakota. This little volume gives an interesting, action-packed introduction to Napoleon and his exploits. Although much simplified and shortened from what an adult version would include, it’s completely appropriate for children and youth.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fascinating to read (i.e. listen to an audibook) of this book which is so heavily bias to the British. It really helps to understand the idea that 'history is written by the winners'. A simple look at Napoleon's life.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid living history book, read it to my daughter and she enjoyed it.

[Carl Hindsgaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect overview of Napoleon, whether as an introduction or a brush up. Concise, clear, and casual.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s was written in 1908 but honestly it’s still a great children’s history book that covers Napoleon’s complicated rise and fall.

[Matthew Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short overview of Napoleon's life. It was a pleasant 2 hour listen while working, but unless I didn't learn anything new. Probably appropriate for middle schoolers.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty succinct. Quick and informative read for casual history nerds like me.

[Christie Wessels · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary overview of Napoleon 's life. I am glad to finally know more about him.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

[Elliot Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short history of Napoleon's career, a fascinating man with a ruthless streak like no other.

[Melissa Grice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a crash course on Napoleon while reading The Count of Monte Cristo, and this did the trick. Short and easy to read, and Marshall’s books aren’t dry.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an animated and sympathetic but frank retelling of Napoleon's successes and failures. Worked well as a daily read-aloud with student narration.

[جلجامش Nabeel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice reading. Short and precise.

[Meredith Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read along with Ben

A simple telling of the life of Napoleon.

[Bereader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A detailed and somewhat Anglo-centric biography, a little dry at times.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy H.E. Marshall’s history narratives and gained a much broader and more consolidated understanding of Napoleon through this brief book on his life and battles.

An online version of the book can be found here: https://www.heritage-history.com/site...

[Amir Soleimanpour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recentley had the great enjoyment of reading the book "The Story of Napoleon". Unfortunatley this book did not have an author writtenon the book ut the publisher was Ladybird Adventure History Books. This book is basically a biography of Napoleon Bonapartes life. This book shows you you his lifefrom his youth in the small island of Corsica to his inaugaration to the Emperorship many years later. This book conveys the message that you can start out coming from a poor family in a small place far away and become the emperor of your own kingdom. I loved this book because it really was very interesting and action-packed way. It also introduces Napoleon as the man he really was not the man poets romanticized about. I would give this book a 9.5 out of 10.00 rating because I absolutley loved it. The only reason I took half a point off is because i wish the author/authors had been a little more descriptive with the story but I would still highly recommend this book to anyone who loves history, action, and biographies.

[Catherine Gillespie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book, by H.E. Marshall (author of Our Island Story, another of our favorites), is a spirited, lively version of the major events of Napoleon’s life, reign, and downfall. If you’re looking for one book about Napoleon that is both informative and well-written, plus a living book not a dry history text, we’d recommend The Story of Napoleon.

{Read more reviews of read alouds and books for kids (and adults!) on A Spirited Mind}

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the book is slightly limited in it's targeting of English school children, we found H.E. Marshall's account a pleasure to read. Complemented by internet searches of portraits of Napoleon, and historical landmarks (Arc de Triumph, Napoleon's tomb, etc), we easily consumed lessons on this notable historical figure, and his meteoric rise, and fall, from power.

[Kl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read and packed with a lot of facts and information. I really enjoyed it.

[Cristine Braddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with my son for school. I wouldn't call it thrilling but definitely a good overview of Napoleon's life.