Philip Dwyer's work primarily explores eighteenth-century European history, with a keen focus on the Napoleonic era. His scholarship delves into the pivotal figures and events of this period, offering profound insights into the political and social forces that shaped it. Dwyer's writing is characterized by meticulous research and compelling narrative, bringing the past to life for contemporary readers. Through his extensive studies, he illuminates the dynamics of empire and the nature of power.
This second volume of Philip Dwyer's biography sheds further fresh light on one of the great figures of modern history. After a meteoric rise, a military-political coup in 1799 established Napoleon Bonaparte in government, aged just 30. It is meticulously researched and examines the man in power, from his brooding obsessions and capacity for violence, to his ability to inspire others and realise his visionary ideas.
Originally published: London: Bloomsbury, 2007.
Violence is part and parcel of both human history and nature. It is the one thing that all cultures and societies share in common. This book considers violence in the modern world, examining the ideas underpinning it, and the cultural context for violence over the last two centuries. It also asks if we are becoming more or less violent.