When we talk about Napoléon, we often talk about battles or politics, but we don't talk nearly enough about the man. Some dismiss him as a proto-Hitler, others adore him as they would a god. But few actually try to crack open the mysteries of the Napoleonic mind. Author Louis Sarkozy did just that, by studying Napoléon Bonaparte and his most important personal activity: his readings.
Louis Sarkozy's upcoming book, Napoleon's Library, is both a fantastic character study and a thoroughly executed research on the emperor's reading habits. It informs us of the importance of his readings, as well as the evolution of his mind throughout the years.
Louis and I had a fantastic discussion regarding Napoléon's character, achievements, failures and legacy. We also threw a few jabs at the 2023 movie by Ridley Scott.
Update from October 2025: my stance on political censorship, the Sarkozy affair in France and this podcast episode: https://bsky.app/profile/lafayettepodcast.com/post/3m2wddsmoos2l
Timecodes:
Introduction
04:13 - Napoléon's Readings
12:55 - From Words to Action
19:06 - From Thinker to Soldier
33:59 - Napoléon's Mythos & Legacy
52:11- Napoléon's Greatest Strengths and Weaknesses
01:01:28 - The 2023 Movie
01:08:11 - Conclusion
Louis Sarkozy's Profile on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarkozy.louis/
Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.
Artwork: Bonaparte, Premier consul, by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1804)
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