Small Events that Changed History

A New York Times Bestseller, Napoleon's Hemorrhoids is a compendium that reveals the tiny ripples which created big waves throughout history. Offering a roller coaster of dizzying historical what-ifs and lesser-known anecdotes, the book is a captivating potpourri for serious historians and casual history buffs alike.

What was Hitler's real name? Which famous artist was mistakenly thought to be stillborn, only to be revived by his uncle blowing cigar smoke in his face? And what were Albert Einstein's last words? These are just a few of the hilarious and fascinating questions explored within the pages of this unique historical chronicle.

The book delves into how much of history has turned out to be the consequence of fortune, accident, or sheer luck. For instance, readers will learn that during the Cuban missile crisis, Communist jets were mere minutes away from opening fire on American planes, until they were forced to turn back due to running out of fuel. They will also discover that before the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon's painful hemorrhoids prevented him from mounting his horse to survey the battlefield.

Furthermore, Napoleon's Hemorrhoids reveals that Nixon's White House taping system was accidentally uncovered by an aide, leading to his downfall in the Watergate scandal. Readers will even learn that Coca-Cola's most famous advertisement, launched in 1971, was inspired by an unplanned all-night layover at an Irish airport.

Interestingly, the book also notes that no one actually knows Einstein's last words, as they were spoken in German, a language his nurse did not understand.

Ultimately, Napoleon's Hemorrhoids is a treasure trove of astonishing anecdotes that shed light on how our most famous incidents, best-loved works of art, and most accepted historical outcomes are often simply twists of fate. Through its unique blend of humor, fascination, and historical insight, the book invites readers to consider the profound impact that tiny, seemingly insignificant ripples can have on the course of human events.

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