The World of Mythology series introduces the myths of the world's greatest civilizations. The Classical world of ancient Greece and Rome has had an immeasurable impact on Western culture; but what inspired some of the greatest writers; philosophers; and architects of all time? Gods were not only worshipped; but consulted for both minor problems and victory in battle. The legends of mortals Heracles and Perseus were wrapped up in the lives of the immortals. Art and artifacts; as well as photographs of the landscapes immortalized in the tales; bring the world of Classical myth to life.
#1348479 in Books 2005-10-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.20 x .80 x 7.40l; 1.27 #File Name: 0764597981388 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great Beginner's Guide to NapoleonBy AndrewIn the annals of world history; few names stand as tall as that of Napoleon. As the cover of the books says; he was France's greatest leader and his actions during his lifetime left a tremendous impact on the course of world events.Napoleon was born on Corsica of Italian descent. He went to school in France studying military and warfare. He eventually joined the army and quickly moved up the ranks and gained national prominence due to his military skills. He came to prominence during the French Revolution. He won victories during the siege of Toulon and and later invaded Italy and Egypt before ultimately becoming the sole ruler of France. He continued his military victories including his most famous one at the Battle of Austerlitz. It seems during his rule; he was constantly at war. Great Britain was constantly wary of Napoleon's motives. Napoleon would never be able to attack the island nation due to its superior naval force. Napoleon was only king on land. Great Britain and France made several alliances and coalitions during the period either to try to stop war or to sometimes instigate it. Eventually; however; Napoleon's luck would start to run out. It started with his disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812 and then his defeat in 1814 when the British sent him to the island of Elba. However; he returned to France and seized power once again; if only for a few months. He fought his most famous defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. The British would have no more of him and permanently exiled him to the remote island of St. Helena where he eventually died.But the book does not only cover Napoleon's military successes. It also looks at his more personal life such as his relationship with Josephine; Marie Louise; and other women. It looks at the various reforms Napoleon made not only in France but; through his military action; spread to other areas of Europe. These included spreading the ideals of the French Revolution; bringing the idea of nationalism to a fragmented Italy and Germany (which set the stage for unification later that century); his law reforms in the Code Napoleon; and the idea of religious freedom. Napoleon was not only a great military commander; but an important reformer as well.I found this book to be an interesting and informative look at Napoleon and his times. I would recommend this book to the more novice person interested in learning more about Napoleon or French/European history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Like any book in the Dummies series that is written ...By K. J. GreeneLike any book in the Dummies series that is written regarding history; NFD gives a total overview of the subject and is explained in an easy-to-understand method. This is recommended for anyone who's interest in a particular subject of history is in the beginning stages. Or for someone wanting to get a grasp of something in a short amount of time without reading huge volumes of books on the subject. NFD covers Napoleon's life along with the footprint he left upon history. And Napoleon left a very large one. For those who's perception of Napoleon is a little man with a huge inferiority complex walking around with one hand inside his coat; this book is a definite must-read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Educating a DummyBy StewI enjoy reading history and of course ol' Napoleon pops up on occasions; so I thought I'd read his biography. The bad thing is ;I haven't read a whole lot on European history; and there's a lot of books out there on Napoleon. When I saw the Dummies book; I thought what the heck I need all the help I can get; laymans terms. There's likers and disliker authors on Napoleon. Mr. J. David Markham seems to be a liker. Even though most Dummie books are put together for reference and bouncing around Mr. Markham put the book together very nicely so there for it's a cover to cover book that keeps your interest. He answered all the questions that I had about the French Revolution and what Napoleons intentions were.
