The Life and Times of Lucian Bonaparte

The Bonaparte brothers spent their youths hoping they might grow into men like the ones in Paoli's wars. In 1789, they believed their moment had finally arrived and were drunk on the possibilities. Lucian was passionate and idealistic, but unlike the others, Lucian didn't have a cynical streak to balance it out. Joseph probably took after Carlo more than any other member of the family. He was a born-wheeler dealer, a natural schmoozer. His charm made him a natural camp painter, and that knack for glad-handing and making connections would be useful once he won.