The Napoleon III: A Biography

"The Shadow Emperor: A Boldly Revisionist Biography of Napoleon III" is a groundbreaking work by Pulitzer Prize-nominated historian Alan Strauss-Schom, who is considered one of the pre-eminent experts on Napoleon Bonaparte. In this first full biography of Napoleon III by an American historian, Strauss-Schom delves into the complex and often polarizing legacy of this nineteenth-century French emperor.

Strauss-Schom's extensive primary source research has enabled him to explore the far-reaching and long-lasting effects of Napoleon III's reign on France's culture, society, economy, finance, international relations, and military. Napoleon III's achievements have been a source of both praise and confusion, even among historians. On the one hand, he revolutionized the infrastructure of the state and the economy, but on the other, his reign was marred by financial scandals of imperial proportions.

In an age of expanding colonialism, Napoleon III's colonial ambitions were met with a mixed response. His party and the French military praised his designs, while socialists resisted them. Strauss-Schom's biography sheds light on these complex and often contradictory aspects of Napoleon III's legacy.

One of Napoleon III's key achievements was the expansion of France's railway network to rival that of England. He also created major new transoceanic steamship lines and modernized the French navy. Additionally, Napoleon III introduced a new banking sector supported by seemingly unlimited venture capital, while also empowering powerful new state and private banks. Furthermore, he orchestrated the complete rebuilding of the heart of Paris, street by street.

However, Napoleon III's overarching goal was to surpass the legacy of his famous uncle, Napoleon I. In "The Shadow Emperor," Strauss-Schom sets out to provide a comprehensive and balanced assessment of Napoleon III's complex legacy, shedding new light on this often-overlooked figure in French history.

The Wall Street Journal has hailed Strauss-Schom's work as a "boldly revisionist biography," reflecting the author's determination to challenge the prevailing narratives surrounding Napoleon III. By delving into the primary sources and uncovering the nuances of his reign, Strauss-Schom aims to offer a more nuanced and insightful understanding of this polarizing emperor, whose influence on France and the broader international stage has been profound and long-lasting.

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