Article: Exploring The British Bonapartes - New Book

Chichester Observer

'The Ancestor' Magazine

This previously unexamined history of the Bonapartes, presents their lives in a vibrant and refreshing way, sheds light on their dubious activities, and exposes the curious events surrounding the family’s exploits in Britain, America and Europe.

Thankfully the author, Edward Hilary Davis (President of the Cambridge University Heraldic and Genealogical Society), has produced multiple Family Trees to refer to when figuring out who is related to whom.

The author has produced an excellent book, both informative and interesting; a colourful and fascinating romp through the Bonaparte family, including numerous amusing anecdotes, stories and scandals. Altogether a most entertaining and enjoyable read.

Norfolk Family History Society, August 2022

Edward Hilary Davis's history of the Bonaparte family in Britain is amazing, astonishing, incredible and hugely entertaining - this is a family history like no other!

Books Monthly

"This is a most detailed interesting book."

Terry Sutton

This was an entertaining look at the wider family of the British Bonapartes, and although I went into the book expecting something prim and well-to-do, the book was actually quite an entertaining read. Some of the little stories were shall we say a little surprising but overall the book was quite humorous, appealing and informative. I always find it amazing to find out the various activities, events and sometimes scandals that go on in some families. I enjoyed this book very much and would happily recommend it.

Read the full review here

The History Fella

Napoleon has always been a fascinating character. His impact on the world was immense. But who was to know how many of his relatives led almost equally interesting lives, some of whom had some very profound effects on the world and particularly on the relationship between France and England. That relationship had been testy at best for so many centuries, erupting into warfare frequently. They were mortal enemies.

But it appears many of his siblings, children and others had close contact with Britain. Some of them made their homes there. Some were greeted with less than open arms whilst others were embraced. In fact it can be argued that the relationships forged by his family created the alliances that held up in both World Wars and beyond. Some of the tales were particularly engrossing.

But the reader could be forgiven if he or she requires a scorecard to keep up with the liaisons, affairs and parentage of many of the characters. To say that there was much intermingling would be an understatement. It would have been a full time job just trying to figure out who slept with whom and who was the father of which child. It makes for compelling and lusty reading. They certainly did not lack energy.

It is one of those books which you could read from beginning to end or dip into piecemeal. Either way it is an engaging read. Four purrs and two paws up.

NetGalley, Susan Johnston

The British Bonapartes was an interesting read that looked at the extended family of Napoleon Bonaparte, with particular reference to their connections to England. It was a well-arranged study that dealt with each branch of the family in turn. Some of the stories I already knew, but a number were new to me, so it was fascinating to read about how the rest of the family fared after Napoleon's defeat and death. This is therefore a worthwhile read for those interested in Napoleon, in 19th century European history, and/or in the way a famous family continues on after the loss of its key figure. It gets a solid four stars from me.

NetGalley, Nicki Markus