An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

126. Napoleon in Egypt

November 29, 2021

Description

“God is too late, you have begun, now I will finish it.” Swash-buckling hero or sacrilegious tyrant? Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt, his dream of becoming...
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Books Referenced

The Histories

Author: Herodotus

Context:

Mentioned as part of Napoleon's library that he brought with him on the expedition to Egypt - 'he takes his library with him. Herodotus, all kinds of stuff.'

The Quran

Author: Anonymous (Islamic)

Context:

Referenced multiple times as a text Napoleon brought and studied during the expedition. He 'catalogues the Quran, not under religion, but under politics.'

Description de l'Egypte

Author: Various (Napoleonic Expedition)

Context:

Explicitly mentioned as a multi-volume book produced by Napoleon's savants: 'There's amazing books that they produce. What's it called? The Description de l'Egypte, 1821. Four volumes, I think.'

Orientalism

Author: Edward Said

Context:

Explicitly mentioned as a book: 'He wrote a book called Orientalism that was massively influential' - discussed in context of whether Said's thesis about Western engagement with the East is valid.