The Dynasts
by Thomas Hardy
- First published
- 1904
- Reading level
- Easy
- Price
- Free
About the book
"The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon" by Thomas Hardy is an epic in verse and prose published between 1904 and 1908. Spanning three parts, nineteen acts, and over one hundred thirty scenes, this monumental work chronicles the Napoleonic Wars from 1805 to 1815. Hardy blends historical figures with metaphysical "Spirits" who observe humanity's struggles. The drama follows major battles—Trafalgar, Austerlitz, Waterloo—while exploring themes of power, dynasty, and the futility of war through sweeping landscapes and intimate human moments.
- Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821
- Napoleonic Wars, 1800-1815
Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #4043. The Dynasts on Wikipedia.
