DOC The Red Napoleon by Floyd Gibbons in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Having owned the paperback version in the Seventies; I ...By R. A. PenningtonHaving owned the paperback version in the Seventies; I mentioned the book's story to a friend a little while back and he was interested enough that I bought it for him as a b-day gift. For fans of alternate history it makes an interesting read. A Trotsky-like figure spreads the international Communist revolution through Europe and Asia; then he winds up with his forces eventually stopped by the USA in a Thirties setting. Since Stalin's "build socialism in one country" policy prevailed and Trotsky was exiled and later murdered in Mexico by Soviet assassins; we never did see the specter of an international revolutionary movement taking place in our timeline during that era; which appeared to be a strong possibility from the end of World War I until Stalin's accession to power in 1924.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good (though Dated) Story That Reflects the Red Fear of the 1920'sBy Gene C. ArmisteadWritten in 1929 as a "what might happen" novel; it in present days qualifies as "alternate history." The story is of an Asiatic Soviet commander who conquers all the world except North America under a banner of "Conquer and Breed." The author uses terminology and reflects racial concepts of the time during which he wrote but nevertheless presses an argument that humanity is and should be considered only one race. As might be expected from a veteran correspondent; the style of writing is easy to read and the story develops apace. Descriptions of battles and of the "romance" of two of its characters are good. In some ways (such as the role of ex-President Hoover) the book is almost predictive. Characterization likewise is very good. This book is well worth reading if just for its accurate reflection of the fears of the time during which it was written.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Typical for its time...By James D. CrabtreeI found an original edition of The Red Napoleon at a used bookstore. Very interesting when looked at as an alternative history; but when it was written it was meant as warning of what might happen. Included excellent maps and orders of battle for the American and Red forces. Very rousing and descriptive scenes of war (especially the Battle for New York City) but racial paranoia keeps this from being a classic.