Napoléon Bonaparte began his exile on the tiny island of Elba off the coast of Italy in 1814. His farewell to France and greatness letter certainly makes it sound as if he was gone for good after years of winning and, ultimately, losing battles across the continent. But it was not “game over” for Napoléon at all. Though depressed at the beginning over his fate, soon enough he began to plot his return; he was, after all, still beloved by many and only a short distance from France. Mark Braude’s fine and simply written book describes how the emperor began to lord it over on the islanders upon arrival and create something of a Napoleonic France in miniature—ordering the building of houses and roads, developing commerce, maintaining a tiny army and navy. He even showed his expansionist self by staking claim to the nearby fertile land of Pianosa. Likewise, Napoléon appointed a governor and treasurer and formed a council to establish the appearance of a constitutional monarchy. It’s a fun read overall and, though not earth-shattering in revelation, Braude’s unique focus allows The Invisible Emperor a welcome into the plethora of Napoléon biographies.
