Description
Book SynopsisRenowned for its accuracy, brevity, and readability, this book has long been the gold standard of concise histories of the Napoleonic Wars. Now in an updated and revised edition, it is unique in its portrayal of one of the world''s great generals as a scrambler who never had a plan, strategic or tactical, that did not break down or change of necessity in the field. Distinguished historian Owen Connelly argues that Napoleon was the master of the broken play, so confident of his ability to improvise, cover his own mistakes, and capitalize on those of the enemy that he repeatedly plunged his armies into uncertain, seemingly desperate situations, only to emerge victorious as he blundered to glory. Beginning with a sketch of Napoleon''s early life, the book progresses to his command of artillery at Toulon and the whiff of grapeshot in Paris that netted him control of the Army of Italy, where his incredible performance catapulted him to fame. The author vividly traces Napoleon''s campaigns a
Trade ReviewConnelly's summaries of the action are clear and concise; his description of the social and political context in which Napoleon fought is exquisite; his portrayal of the personalities of Napoleon's marshals is lively and insightful; and his portrait of Napoleon's ambition and drive to win is superb. * Military Review *
A thoroughly stimulating and enjoyable volume. Connelly examines all the campaigns with exemplary conciseness, and the same is to be said of his treatment of the battles. . . . Whether this book entertains or (occasionally) infuriates, it makes a reader think. * Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research *
This is a concise, clear, authoritative account presented in a felicitous literary style. Of the many works on Napoleon's thirty-year career, this is the best brief account. * Canadian Military History *
Readers will find this book useful to have in their library. Connelly gently but surely draws the readers into questioning whether or not Napoleon ever had a strategic aim. * Journal of the Royal Artillery *
Owen Connelly, one of the leading American historians of the French Revolution–Napoleonic Era, has that rare gift of being able to take complex and complicated information and produce a tight, smooth-flowing narrative. What is unique about this study is that it is both scholarly, based upon excellent research with good maps and a fine bibliography, and also written in a language [students] will appreciate and understand. Highly recommended. * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Young Bonaparte: Character, Education, and Early Triumphs Chapter 2: The Scrambler Emerges: The First Italian Campaign, 1796–1797 Chapter 3: Flirting with Oblivion: Egypt, 1798–1799 Chapter 4: Over the Alps: The Second Italian Campaign, 1800 Chapter 5: The Scrambler on the Danube: The Ulm-Austerlitz Campaign, 1805 Chapter 6: Overkill in the East: The Jena-Auerstadt-Friedland Campaign, 1806–1807 Chapter 7: The "Affair of Spain": The Peninsular War, 1808–1813 Chapter 8: The Wagram Campaign: The Austrian War, 1809 Chapter 9: The Fattening: Compromises with the Old Order European Empire, 1809–1812 Chapter 10: Heat, Ice, Snow, and Disaster: The Russian Campaign, 1812 Chapter 11: The Kill: From Lutzen to Elba, 1813–1814 Chapter 12: The Glorious Irrelevance: The Waterloo Campaign, 1815
