Napoleon’s Privates

Just finished a good read: Napoleon’s Privates by Tony Perrottet.  The subtitle of the book really gives the premise away – “2500 Years of History Unzipped.”  Covering topics from Napoleon (obviously) to the misdeeds of the Robber Barons, Perrottet gives the facts in a straight forward fashion.  It is refreshing to read some of the dirty laundry of history aired in a very matter-of-fact way.  His writing style really sells this book.  It is not like reading most history.  Instead of dry facts, the author goes through the trouble of listing his sources and then making the story around those facts entertaining and interesting.  Had all of the authors I read in college been this interesting, I might have gone on to get my masters.

Here are a few of my favorite topics that the author covers:

• The celebrity body part quick reference chart gives an easy way to keep track of all those historic body parts that you were wondering where they have ended up.  From Joan of Arc’s heart to Oliver Cromwell’s head, all of those pieces of the historical record are listed.
• How hot was Cleopatra?
• Another quick reference chart of the known indiscretions of the popes throughout the ages leads to an entirely different look at the indiscretions of the clergy today.
• And of course one of the most interesting:  the reason why masturbation has gotten a bad rap and the pamphlet behind it.

Again, folks, very interesting read and quiet a page turner as well.  So, to write a phrase I never thought I would write, check out napoleon’s Privates.

-Bobaganush the Pirate