R. S. Alexander – författare

There is no shortage of characterizations of Napoleon, but not since Peter Geyl's classic "Napoleon: For and Against in the 1940s" has a writer tried to assess his many reputations and how they have evolved, and continue to evolve. Drawing on the latest scholarship, this is an addition to the "Reputations" series. Alexander treats Napoleon as a universal figure, rather than a specifically French one, and draws from an array of evidence in many media. He focuses particularly on how Napoleon's reputation has been altered by such events as the World Wars and the Cold War, and by association with such figures as Hitler, Santa Anna, Mehemet Ali, and Mussolini.

Bonapartism and Revolutionary Tradition in France is a study of the personnel, organisation and activities of the Fédérés, the massive paramilitary political associations that supported Napoleon during the Hundred Days. In tracing federe backgrounds the author demonstrates that the federations were politically and socially heterogeneous - composed of old revolutionaries, Bonapartists and future Liberals, and drawn from both the lower and middle classes. Analysis of Fédéré literature and symbolism reveals the common ground of ideology and self-interest that enabled these diverse groups to unite in opposition to Bourbon rule, and thereby reverse the process of fragmentation that had beset the Revolutionary movement since 1789. Discussion of relations between the Imperial government and the Fédérés explains why Bonaparte encouraged this development, despite his realisation that old Jacobins dominated the associations of 1815.

Bonapartism and Revolutionary Tradition in France is a study of the personnel, organisation and activities of the Fédérés, the massive paramilitary political associations that supported Napoleon during the Hundred Days. In tracing federe backgrounds the author demonstrates that the federations were politically and socially heterogeneous - composed of old revolutionaries, Bonapartists and future Liberals, and drawn from both the lower and middle classes. Analysis of Fédéré literature and symbolism reveals the common ground of ideology and self-interest that enabled these diverse groups to unite in opposition to Bourbon rule, and thereby reverse the process of fragmentation that had beset the Revolutionary movement since 1789. Discussion of relations between the Imperial government and the Fédérés explains why Bonaparte encouraged this development, despite his realisation that old Jacobins dominated the associations of 1815.