Napoleon and Josephine : $b The rise of the empire

"Napoleon and Josephine" by Walter Geer is a historical biography written in the early 20th century. It portrays the intertwined lives of Joséphine de Beauharnais and Napoleon Bonaparte, emphasizing her origins, character, relationships, and political significance in the making of the Napoleonic Empire. The opening of the book frames the author’s aim to portray Joséphine without moralizing, then traces her Martinique roots and the rise—and ruin—of the Tascher family, her modest education, and early character. It follows the maneuverings of Madame Renaudin that link the Taschers to Governor François de Beauharnais, leading to Joséphine’s arranged marriage to Alexandre de Beauharnais, their unhappy life in Paris, the births of Eugène and Hortense, Alexandre’s accusations and their formal separation. The narrative then shifts to the Revolution: Alexandre’s prominence in the Constituent Assembly, his failed generalship and disgrace, and both spouses’ imprisonment at the Carmes, where Alexandre is executed shortly before Thermidor. After the Terror, Joséphine is freed, struggles financially, cultivates influential connections (notably Tallien and Barras), establishes a new household in the Rue Chantereine, and places her children in school. The section closes with the 13 Vendémiaire uprising and the moment that brings her to Napoleon’s notice: Eugène’s plea to keep his father’s sword, Joséphine’s thanks, and the beginning of Bonaparte’s infatuation.