Andrew Roberts is a prominent British historian known for his engaging narratives and meticulous research on military history and leadership. He gained significant recognition for his biography 'Napoleon: A Life,' which offers a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the French leader. In this work, Roberts delves into Napoleon's complex personality, his military strategies, and the profound impact he had on Europe and the world. The biography is noted for its accessibility and depth, making it a key text for both scholars and general readers interested in the Napoleonic era. Roberts has also written extensively on other historical figures and events, contributing to the public understanding of history through his books, articles, and media appearances. His works often emphasize the importance of leadership and decision-making in history, reflecting his belief that individual actions can shape the course of events. Through his engaging writing style and thorough analysis, Roberts has established himself as a significant voice in contemporary historical discourse, influencing how history is taught and understood today.
“I lived like a bear, in a little room, with books for my only friends . . . These were the joys and debaucheries of my youth.””
“Arthur Less is the first homosexual ever to grow old. That is, at least, how he feels at times like these. Here, in this tub, he should be twenty-five or thirty, a beautiful young man naked in a bathtub. Enjoying the pleasures of life. How dreadful if someone came upon naked Less today: pink to his middle, gray to his scalp, like those old double erasers for pencil and ink. He has never seen another gay man age past fifty, none except Robert. He met them all at forty or so but never saw them make it much beyond; they died of AIDS, that generation. Less’s generation often feels like the first to explore the land beyond fifty. How are they meant to do it? Do you stay a boy forever, and dye your hair and diet to stay lean and wear tight shirts and jeans and go out dancing until you drop dead at eighty? Or do you do the opposite”
“More books have been written with Napoleon in the title than there have been days since his death in 1821.””