Jrme Bonaparte: The War Years, 1800-1815

(Hardback)

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Napoleon's youngest brother, Jrme, has over the centuries been portrayed as a military commander who was completely incompetent and unimportant to his famous sibling. This first biography of Jrme by an American author utilizes many firsthand accounts ofJrme's abilities that have never before been available to readers in English, as well as archival material that has never been published in any language, to challenge this view. Focussing on the lesser-known theaters of operation from 1800 to the Russian campaign in 1812, this study completes the gaps in the military history of the Napoleonic Wars. As Lamar demonstrates, Jrme was not responsible for the failure of Napoleon's early maneuvers during the invasion of Russia, nor did he lose the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Jrme's relationship with Napoleon was affected by his position as the youngest member of the Bonaparte family. Much of Emperor Napoleon I's true nature can be seen through his dealings with Jrme and his naval career. After discussing Jrme's experiences as the only Bonaparte to serve in the navy, Lamar detailsJrme's involvement in land campaigns, in such varied places as Silesia, Russia, and Waterloo. Another important aspect of Jrme's career was his leadership role as King of Westphalia. This objective account sheds new light on the life and accomplishments of one of the most maligned figures of the Napoleonic era.

Reviews

.,."I strongly recommend this solid book to individuals and institutions that have any real interest in Napoleon and the Napoleonic era, of which Jerome was a small but significant part."-History: Reviews of New Books
...I strongly recommend this solid book to individuals and institutions that have any real interest in Napoleon and the Napoleonic era, of which Jerome was a small but significant part.-History: Reviews of New Books
A valuable addition to the literature of the Bonapartes.-The NYMAS Newsletter
Dr. Lamar has produced a valuable analysis of Jerome as a military commander....Military historians, ...will appreciate the detailed descriptions of naval engagements and Westphalian troop movements during the major campaigns of the Napoleonic period as well as Lamar's tactical analysis of Jerome's generalship.-The Journal of Military History
Glenn J. Lamar has given us an excellent account of the military life of Jerome Bonaparte youngest brother and sometime king of Westphalia....Lamar has written a fine military biography without becoming identified with his subject--a rare feat. His book is a worthy contribution to our knowledge of Jerome and Napoleonic warfare.-American Historical Review
Lamar provides a balanced examination of Jerome that neither overtly condemns him or completely exonerates him. Instead, the reader is presented with a balanced portrait of a young man in positions of responsibility that clearly exceeded his capabilities. Military historians will find the book useful for its discussion of the little-known campaigns in Silesia in 1806-1807 and in Westphalia during the 1809 campaign.-Militaru Review
..."I strongly recommend this solid book to individuals and institutions that have any real interest in Napoleon and the Napoleonic era, of which Jerome was a small but significant part."-History: Reviews of New Books
"A valuable addition to the literature of the Bonapartes."-The NYMAS Newsletter
"Dr. Lamar has produced a valuable analysis of Jerome as a military commander....Military historians, ...will appreciate the detailed descriptions of naval engagements and Westphalian troop movements during the major campaigns of the Napoleonic period as well as Lamar's tactical analysis of Jerome's generalship."-The Journal of Military History
"Glenn J. Lamar has given us an excellent account of the military life of Jerome Bonaparte youngest brother and sometime king of Westphalia....Lamar has written a fine military biography without becoming identified with his subject--a rare feat. His book is a worthy contribution to our knowledge of Jerome and Napoleonic warfare."-American Historical Review
"Lamar provides a balanced examination of Jerome that neither overtly condemns him or completely exonerates him. Instead, the reader is presented with a balanced portrait of a young man in positions of responsibility that clearly exceeded his capabilities. Military historians will find the book useful for its discussion of the little-known campaigns in Silesia in 1806-1807 and in Westphalia during the 1809 campaign."-Militaru Review

Author Bio

GLENN J. LAMAR is Assistant Professor of History at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette./e A native of Alabama, Lamar received degrees from Auburn University and Florida State University.