Stanley Kubrick's "Napoleon": The Greatest Movie Never Made

Stanley Kubrick's "Napoleon: The Greatest Movie Never Made," presented by Taschen in a pristine hardcover format, is an extraordinary exploration into the ambitious unrealized project of one of cinema's greatest auteurs. Despite being shelved due to the perceived financial risks by major studios, Kubrick's vision for "Napoleon" was meticulously constructed over two years. His intensive research, bolstered by the efforts of numerous assistants and a renowned Napoleon specialist from Oxford, resulted in an unmatched collection of approximately 15,000 location photos and 17,000 slides of Napoleonic imagery.

Comprised of carefully curated elements from Kubrick's archives, this collector's edition includes a facsimile of the original screenplay, correspondence, costume studies, and extensive research material. Each aspect of the project is housed in its own volume, nestled within a carved-out reproduction of a Napoleon history book. Furthermore, the edition provides essays on the screenplay's historical and dramaturgical context, adding depth to an already rich assemblage. An interview transcript between Kubrick and Oxford professor Felix Markham further enriches this compilation, inviting readers into the profound thinking behind Kubrick's creative process.

This edition is encased within a cleverly designed replication of a historical book, subtly housing its treasures. This presentation does more than introspect on a film; it invites collectors and scholars alike to explore a complex narrative that never graced the screen. Accompanying essays offer a thorough examination of the screenplay’s historical and cinematic contexts, complemented by expert insights such as Jean Tulard’s treatise on Napoleon in film. Furthermore, Kubrick's dialogues with Oxford professor Felix Markham enrich the narrative, underscoring his comprehensive exploration of Napoleon’s enigmatic life through hundreds of illuminating images and vast contextual resources.

Published on November 17, 2009, by Taschen, and featuring exclusive access to a searchable online database of Kubrick's complete picture file, this work stands as a testament to the remarkable mind of Stanley Kubrick and his passionate pursuit of historical fidelity and cinematic excellence. Collectors, scholars, and aficionados of film are offered a rare glimpse into the consummation of years of dedication that could have redefined the genre of the historical epic had it reached fruition.