The biography "The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte," written by American historian William Milligan Sloane, charts the French emperor's life from his appointment as First Consul in 1799 through his exile to Saint Helena in 1815. Sloane talks about Napoleon's military and political tactics, including his victories in Italy and Egypt, his defeats in Russia, and his eventual failure at the Battle of Waterloo. The book dives deeply into Napoleon's private life, highlighting his connections to his wives Josephine and Marie as well as his son Joseph. Napoleon is presented by Sloane in a balanced manner, with both his advantages and disadvantages being highlighted. He also examines Napoleon's legacy, particularly how the Napoleonic Code and European politics and culture were influenced by him. In general, "The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte" is a thorough biography that offers an in-depth analysis of one of the most important characters in modern history.
American historian and educator William Milligan Sloane (1850–1928). He was raised in Pennsylvania and attended Princeton University for his undergraduate studies. After that, Sloane continued his education by enrolling in graduate programs at the University of Leipzig in Germany, where he was a student of famous historian Theodor Mommsen. Returning to America, Sloane taught at Princeton before obtaining a job at Columbia University in 1886, where he spent the remainder of his professional life. Sloane was a prolific writer who focused heavily on French history and other aspects of European history. His three-volume biography of Napoleon Bonaparte, which is regarded as a masterpiece on the topic, is what made him most famous. As president of the American Historical Association and a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sloane was also active in a number of civic and cultural organizations. Sloane was a dedicated supporter of world peace and cooperation in addition to his scholarly activities. He participated in a number of international organizations devoted to advancing world peace and understanding, including as a delegate to The Hague Peace Conference in 1899.
