Napoleon sleeps with Mona Lisa

Napoleon – the whole truth

Witty, offbeat, inventive: Over 200 illustrations from two centuries present one of the most controversial figures in history. With subtle humour, Stefan Schlögl and Wolfgang Hartl reveal the whole truth about the emperor of fake news.

How many of the stories we are told about Napoleon Bonaparte, his master-strokes, foibles and love life are actually true? How much of it is mere rumour? And what tricks did the politically astute strategist use to set himself up as the first master of fake news?

Now we proudly present: The whole truth! Illustrator Wolfgang Hartl and author Stefan Schlögl set off on the trail of the great little Corsican. Their investigations not only reveal „alternative facts“ and legends but also offer an interpretation of Napoleon, the myth, that reaches to the present day.

The book plays brilliantly with historical propaganda and the power of images and brings history back to life with its meticulously reworked engravings and prints.

What is fact? What is fake? You decide!

Press review

“A brilliant book that provokes an ever-stronger urge to see what comes next, like an Instagram/TikTok session.” “Historytainment at its best.” – Paul Pant, Radio FM4

“Wolfgang Hartl places these historic illustrations of purported reality in a new context and, by doing so, manages to transform them into a surprisingly modern aesthetic style fitting for the age of social media.” – Süddeutsche Zeitung

“Bonaparte’s story makes for an entertaining and pleasantly satisfying read.” Hartl and Schlögl cast Napoleon in a new and unfamiliar light.” – Stefan May, Radio Ö1 Kontext on non-fiction books and topics

“An educational book as amusing as it is inventive.” – Freizeit.at Kurier

“An achievement for our times.“ “Remaining critical and intelligent among all the light-heartedness, that’s the accomplishment of this work.” – Gerald Heidegger, orf.at

“An astute book.” ”Schlögl and Hartl have shown daring on two fronts.” – Oliver Grimm, Die Presse

”Elegant and incisive.” – “A feast for the eyes.” – Kirstin Breitenfellner, Falter, Bücher-Herbst

“An incredible compendium.” – “I read it in a single night.” – Johannes Kößler, book recommendation, ORF Guten Morgen Österreich