Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte, Volume 1

What it is

This is the first volume of memoirs written by Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne, who became friends with Napoleon as children in Corsica and later served as his private secretary. The text is available as a LibriVox audio recording read by volunteers.

Why it matters

Bourrienne's memoirs offer a firsthand account of Napoleon's boyhood and early career, describing his stern personality and his feelings toward the French rule of Corsica. As someone who knew Napoleon personally, Bourrienne provides insight into his character before he became famous.

Look closer

• What details does Bourrienne give about Napoleon's childhood personality?
• Why might a close friend's account be valuable, and also need to be read carefully?
• What does this recording leave out, since it is a modern reading and not Napoleon's own voice?