In The Man Who Had Been King, Patricia Tyson Stroud provides a rich account of the life of Napoleon's brother Joseph Bonaparte in the United States, detailing how his palatial estate, gardens, and art collection made him a key figure in the importation of European taste to America.
Patricia Tyson Stroud is an accomplished independent scholar known for her insightful works on natural history and notable historical figures. Her books explore themes of naturalism and the impact of influential personalities, including Thomas Say and Charles-Lucien Bonaparte. Additionally, she delves into the life of Napoleon's brother Joseph during his American exile. Collaborating with Robert McCracken Peck, she also examines the role of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia in shaping American science.