Transcriber’s Notes
Simple typographical errors were corrected; punctuation, hyphenation, and spelling were made consistent when a predominant preference was found in this book; otherwise they were not changed.
About This Book
A concise biography follows a Corsican-born military leader from modest beginnings through dramatic battlefield successes, a return to seize political power, and eventual exile. It traces early ambition and opportunism, rapid victories in continental campaigns, and a risky overseas expedition that precipitates his flight home. The narrative highlights his reorganization of government and economy, including tax reform, financial institutions, protection of industry, and public works. It balances descriptions of military innovation and personal boldness with the strains of prolonged war. The book interleaves campaign episodes with examinations of administrative measures and their social effects.