From 1805 to 1815 one of history's greatest generals dominated Europe; his name was Napoleon Bonaparte. The wars which bear his name have captivated the world ever since, and there is a large range of literature available; the following is my selection. Due to the interest in the Battle of Waterloo as an event in itself, I've dealt with the topic in a separate list, found here.
1. The Campaigns of Napoleon by David Chandler
Widely proclaimed as the best single volume work on the Napoleonic Wars, David Chandler's large book is easily the top pick. Maintaining an easy to read style across a detailed examination of the battles, tactics and events, the book contains a wealth of information. However, I would suggest reading this with a suitable atlas handy (see pick 4), and sheer size may make the book unsuitable for some.
2. The Napoleonic Wars 1805 - 1807 by Todd Fisher
As part one of Opsrey's history of the Napoleonic Wars, this is a perfect introduction to the early stages of the conflict. Mixing a narrative of the campaigns with mini-biographies and excellent illustration, this overview is highly readable and suitable for any age.3. Napoleonic Wars 1808 - 1812 by Todd Fisher
Part two of Osprey's history of the Napoleonic Wars, this volume follows on from the first (pick 2), maintaining the same style and standards. For a summary of this volume, and then a full review of both books, click below.4. A Military History and Atlas of the Napoleonic Wars - V. J. Esposito
This is a very substantial volume, with a footprint larger than A4 paper, and over an inch in thickness. A solid military narrative of the whole Napoleonic Wars is accompanied by a massive range of detailed maps, showing campaigns, battles and troop movements. The maps may look fairly dull at first sight (using a limited palette), but they really aren't!5. How Far From Austerlitz? Napoleon 1805 - 1815 by Alistair Horne
Using a masterfully written military narrative of the Napoleonic Wars, which would be worth reading on its own, Horne discusses how Austerlitz may have been Bonaparte's greatest victory, but it also marked a decline in his judgement: how far did Napoleon's own hubris contribute to his ultimate defeat?6. The Napoleonic Empire by G. J. Ellis
The Napoleonic Wars weren't simply about battles, and this volume presents the many social, cultural and political debates which occupy historians. Consequently, this volume is an excellent way of broadening your knowledge beyond the conflict itself. Issues include 'did Napoleon betray the French Revolutionary ideals?' and just what long-term effect did the Emperor have on France?7. Napoleon Bonaparte and the Legacy of the French Revolution by Martyn Lyons
This volume provides a perfect complement to solely military accounts, by providing a political, social and cultural examination of the Napoleonic period. Rather than simply viewing Bonaparte as a General, Lyons discusses how both Napoleon, and France, developed out of the French Revolution and across the period.8. Tactics and the Experience of Battle in the Age of Napoleon by Rory Muir
While many accounts of the Napoleonic Wars concentrate on the tactics and troop movements, this volume extends to an extra dimension - the practical experiences of the troops themselves. Using letters, diaries and other primary sources, Muir explores how soldiers and commanders reacted in the field, implementing their orders in the face of mud, disease and cannon fire. An often vivid read.9. The Letters of Private Wheeler: 1809 - 1828 by Wheeler and edited by Liddel-Hart
Another source collection, The Recollections of Rifleman Harris, is better known, and it's difficult to pick one over the other; ultimately I opted for this. The letters take the form of an amusing and honest diary, and the subject matter extends beyond the Napoleonic Wars into military life after. Please note: some of Wheeler's opinions may not be to everyone's taste!10. The Man Who Broke Napoleon's Codes by Mark Urban
A renewed fascination with code-breaking has emerged from the last decade, and this book focuses on George Scovell, the man who - as the title suggests - broke Napoleon's codes, aiding Wellington considerably. Mark Urban has made good use of documentary sources, and the book doubles as a revealing history of both the British Army, and social division in the Peninsular Wars.