Simply Napoleon

Corsican outsider, European emperor—simply told.

In Simply Napoleon, J. David Markham and Matthew D. Zarzeczny offer a clear and accessible portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte, tracing the arc of a figure whose influence reshaped Europe and continues to command historical attention. Within its concise narrative, the work seeks to render a vast life in terms both intelligible and human.

The biography follows Napoleon from his Corsican origins through his rise within the upheavals of revolutionary France, where military skill and political acuity combined to propel him into positions of increasing authority. As First Consul and later Emperor, he extends French power across much of Europe, introducing sweeping administrative and legal reforms even as he engages in prolonged and costly campaigns. His fortunes shift with equal force, culminating in defeat, exile, and a final chapter far removed from the centers of power he once commanded. Throughout, the account balances strategic achievement with personal ambition, offering a measured view of a life defined by momentum and scale.

This is not a book for historians alone. It is an invitation: a guide for the curious reader who has heard of Napoleon but does not know where to begin. Markham and Zarzeczny walk the reader through the essential campaigns, the key reforms, and the man who remade Europe—only to lose everything, twice.

• A clear and accessible introduction to Napoleon’s life, from Corsica to Waterloo and beyond

• Explores key achievements: the Napoleonic Code, military strategy, administrative reform, and the reshaping of European borders

• Perfect for first-time readers and for those who want to understand one of history’s most complex and consequential figures

Available in multiple formats:

• Paperback & Hardcover: Beautifully designed print editions presenting the complete, unabridged text made to last.

• Ebook: DRM-free EPUB compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers.

• Audiobook: Professionally narrated, complete and unabridged, available on all major audiobook platforms.

A beautifully crafted edition for your shelf, your device, or your ears—or the perfect gift for anyone who wants to discover why Napoleon still fascinates, two centuries after his fall.

About the Authors

J. David Markham is an internationally recognized scholar and writer and the president of the International Napoleonic Society. He has written, edited, and/or contributed to ten books on Napoleon, including Napoleon for Dummies and The Road to St Helena: Napoleon after Waterloo. He has appeared in television documentaries, lectured at conferences and museums around the world, and co-created with Cameron Reilly the popular “Napoleon 101” podcast. In 2014, he was appointed a Knight in the Order of the French Academic Palms, France’s highest civilian-only award. He has also been awarded the INS Legion of Merit and the Napoleonic Historical Society Colonel John H. Etling Scholar Award, the highest academic recognition for the two groups.

Matthew D. Zarzeczny is a Fellow of the International Napoleonic Society and an adjunct instructor at Ashland University, Kent State University at Stark, and John Carroll University. He has written widely on Napoleon Bonaparte and is the author of Meteors That Enlighten the Earth: Napoleon and the Cult of Great Men and the founder of the popular website www.historyandheadlines.com. In Simply Napoleon, Markham and Zarzeczny combine decades of research to offer an engaging, reliable introduction to one of history’s most extraordinary figures.