Josephine: A Life of the Empress

Josephine: A Life of the Empress

by Carolly Erickson (Author)

Synopsis

When in 1804, Josephine Bonaparte knelt before her husband Napoleon to receive the imperial diadem, few in the vast crowd of onlookers were aware of the dark secrets behind the imperial facade. Josephine appeared alluring, wealthy and doted upon by her remarkable husband, the conqueror of Europe. In actuality, Josephine's life was far darker, for her celebrated allure was fading, her wealth was compromised by massive debt and her marriage was corroded by infidelity and abuse. Born a Creole in Martinque, sent to France in her teens to marry and save the family fortunes, Josephine was adventurous and above all hardy - a survivor in a hazardous time. Soon separated from a dissolute, spiteful husband, she made her way in the salons of Paris, a member of the shadow-world of respectability. Confined to the worst prison in Paris during the revolution and condemned to death, she miraculously escaped her fate and went on to marry the rising star of the Directory, Napoleon Bonaparte, the man who in a few short years, with Josephine at his side, became Emperor of France. This volume brings to life the complex, charming, ever-resilient Josephine, from the sensual richness of her childhood in the tropics to her final lonely days at Malmaison.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 391
Edition: New edition
Publisher: Robson Books Ltd
Published: 21 May 2004

ISBN 10: 1861056370
ISBN 13: 9781861056375

Media Reviews
'Carolly Erickson is one of the most accomplished and successful historical biographers writing in English.' Times Literary Supplement
Author Bio
Carolly Erickson, a prize-winning historian and biographer, became a full-time writer in 1970. She has written many historical biographies including To the Scaffold: The Life of Marie Antoinette, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Our Tempestuous Day, Great Catherine, The First Elizabeth and Great Harry, all published by Robson Books.