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Napoleon and the Art of Leadership: How a Flawed Genius Changed the History of Europe and the World
by William NesterThis deep dive into the mind of the complex, controversial political and military leader is “a great addition to the field of Napoleonics” (Journal of Military History).No historical figure has provoked more controversy than Napoleon Bonaparte. Was he an enlightened ruler or brutal tyrant? An insatiable warmonger or a defender of France against the aggression of the other great powers? Kind or cruel, farsighted or blinkered, a sophisticate or a philistine, a builder or a destroyer? Napoleon was at once all that his partisans laud, his enemies condemn, and much more. He remains fascinating, because he so dramatically changed the course of history and had such a complex, paradoxical character.One thing is certain: If the art of leadership is about getting what one wants, then Napoleon was among history’s greatest masters. He understood and asserted the dynamic relationship among military, economic, diplomatic, technological, cultural, psychological—and thus political—power. War was the medium through which he was able to demonstrate his innate skills, leading his armies to victories across Europe. He overthrew France’s corrupt republican government in a coup, then asserted near dictatorial powers. Those powers were then wielded with great dexterity in transforming France from feudalism to modernity with a new law code, canals, roads, ports, schools, factories, national bank, currency, and standard weights and measures. With those successes, he convinced the Senate to proclaim him France’s emperor and even got the pope to preside over his coronation. He reorganized swaths of Europe into new states and placed his brothers and sisters on the thrones.This is Napoleon as has never been seen before. No previous book has explored his seething labyrinth of a mind more deeply and broadly or revealed more of its complex, provocative, and paradoxical dimensions. Napoleon has never before spoken so thoroughly about his life and times through the pages of a book, nor has an author so deftly examined the veracity or mendacity of his words. Within are dimensions of Napoleon that may charm, appall, or perplex, many buried for two centuries and brought to light for the first time. Napoleon and the Art of Leadership is a psychologically penetrating study of the man who had such a profound effect on the world around him that the entire era still bears his name.
Napoleon and the Fair Sex
by Anon. Frédéric MassonFrédéric Masson stands as one of the foremost historians that France has ever produced. His specialist subject was the era of Napoleon, and few men have written such brilliant and penetrating studies of the Emperor. In this volume, translated from his book 'Napoléon et les femmes', Masson charts the Emperor's amorous adventures throughout his life. It is a wonder that Napoleon had any time to engage in the domination of Europe, given his propensity to ladies; he was twice married, cuckolded numerous times, frequent lover of opera singers and actresses, step-father to two children, father to his heir, the Duke of Reichstadt, and the father of at least two illegitimate children. This work masterfully brings Napoleon's often tumultuous relationships with the women in his life with full colour and detail.Author -- Masson, Frédéric, 1847-1923.Translator -- Anon.Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in London : W. Heinemann, 1896 Original Page Count - 320 pages.Illustrations -- 10 portraits.
Napoleon and the Struggle for Germany: The Franco-Prussian War of 1813
by Michael V. LeggiereThis is the first comprehensive history of the campaign that determined control of Germany following Napoleon's catastrophic defeat in Russia. Michael V. Leggiere reveals how, in the spring of 1813, Prussia, the weakest of the great powers, led the struggle against Napoleon as a war of national liberation. Using German, French, British, Russian, Austrian and Swedish sources, he provides a panoramic history that covers the full sweep of the battle for Germany from the mobilization of the belligerents, strategy, and operations to coalition warfare, diplomacy, and civil-military relations. He shows how Russian war weariness conflicted with Prussian impetuosity, resulting in the crisis that almost ended the Sixth Coalition in early June. In a single campaign, Napoleon drove the Russo-Prussian army from the banks of the Saale to the banks of the Oder. The Russo-Prussian alliance was perilously close to imploding, only to be saved at the eleventh-hour by an armistice.
Napoleon and the Struggle for Germany: The Franco-Prussian War of 1813
by Michael V. LeggiereThis is the first comprehensive history of the campaign that determined control of Germany following Napoleon's catastrophic defeat in Russia. Michael V. Leggiere reveals how, in the spring of 1813, Prussia, the weakest of the great powers, led the struggle against Napoleon as a war of national liberation. Using German, French, British, Russian, Austrian and Swedish sources, he provides a panoramic history that covers the full sweep of the battle for Germany from the mobilization of the belligerents, strategy, and operations to coalition warfare, diplomacy, and civil-military relations. He shows how Russian war weariness conflicted with Prussian impetuosity, resulting in the crisis that almost ended the Sixth Coalition in early June. In a single campaign, Napoleon drove the Russo-Prussian army from the banks of the Saale to the banks of the Oder. The Russo-Prussian alliance was perilously close to imploding, only to be saved at the eleventh-hour by an armistice.
Napoleon and the World War of 1813: Lessons in Coalition Warfighting
by J.P. RileyThis analysis of the world war between Napoleon and the 6th coalition in 1813 covers operations in Europe, Spain and North America. It examines the differences between alliances and coalitions, comparing the long-term international relationships in alliances and the short-term union of coalitions.
Napoleon at Bay – 1814
by Pickle Partners Publishing Francis Loraine Petre O.B.EThis ebook is purpose built and is proof-read and re-type set from the original to provide an outstanding experience of reflowing text for an ebook reader. Following on from the Author's "Napoleon's Last Campaign in Germany", Petre's closely researched and well argued account of the 1814 campaign, which would see some of the finest strategical manoeuvres of Napoleon's entire career. As the wreck of the last Grande Armée created in 1813, retreated home from Germany to France it was a pale shadow of its former glory. Marched into the ground as Napoleon struggled to pin down his enemies, and then beaten at Leipzig in the "battle of Nations" as faced by overwhelming weight of men, cavalry and cannon. They had shown their mettle at Hanau by brutally brushing aside the Bavarians who sought to bar their way across the Rhine, but there were now only some 70,000 to 80,000 men still with the colours. The men garrisoning cities and fortresses such as Danzig were lost to the great General, and his enemies implacably approached the soil of France. With such an outlook, what then occurred was perhaps Napoleon's finest hour, he rallied every last reserve, he could from veterans scraped from the Spanish frontier, or barely adult conscripts. He would then embark on the "Six Days Campaign", in which he beat the army of Silesia under Blücher, four times in six days. The manoeuvres that led to the battles of Champaubert, Montmirail, Château-Thierry and Vauchamps, are justly celebrated. The tragic dénouement which he and his victorious veterans would suffer, despite all of their hard fought victories would still be the ignominy of defeat as Napoleon's Generals and Marshals shed their allegiance to him to save France. Author - Francis Loraine Petre OBE - (1852-1925) Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in 1904, London, by John Lane, The Bodley Head. Original - 222 pages. MAPS - due to their size have not been included [4 A3] Linked TOC
Napoleon at Home — Vol. I (Napoleon at Home #1)
by Anon. Frédéric MassonMuch has been written about the life of Napoleon, whose actions dominated the beginning of the Nineteenth century; his campaigns have been charted in great detail as have his political manoeuvres; however, his life during his few quiet hours remained less well known - until the renowned Frédéric Masson cast his expert eye on them.Ranging from the court audiences reminiscent of the Ancien Régime kings such as Louis XIV to simple days at home with his extended family, the author draws out the detail of the household of the Emperor. The rooms and daily routines are juxtaposed with the celebrated events of the Imperial calendar to great effect, the mundane and the grand living side by side. As time passed and Napoleon gained more wealth and power, so the routines changed and the splendour increased. The author goes into every facet without losing the reader's interest. An astounding and intimate portrait of Napoleon, the man and the Emperor.Author -- Masson, Frédéric, 1847-1923.Translator -- James E. Matthew.Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in London : H. Grevel and Co. and Philadelphia J. B. Lipincott, 1894 Original Page Count - li and 198 pages.Illustrations -- 12 illustrations.
Napoleon at Home — Vol. II (Napoleon at Home #2)
by Anon. Frédéric MassonMuch has been written about the life of Napoleon, whose actions dominated the beginning of the Nineteenth century; his campaigns have been charted in great detail as have his political manoeuvres; however, his life during his few quiet hours remained less well known - until the renowned Frédéric Masson cast his expert eye on them.Ranging from the court audiences reminiscent of the Ancien Régime kings such as Louis XIV to simple days at home with his extended family, the author draws out the detail of the household of the Emperor. The rooms and daily routines are juxtaposed with the celebrated events of the Imperial calendar to great effect, the mundane and the grand living side by side. As time passed and Napoleon gained more wealth and power, so the routines changed and the splendour increased. The author goes into every facet without losing the reader's interest. An astounding and intimate portrait of Napoleon, the man and the Emperor.Author -- Masson, Frédéric, 1847-1923.Translator -- James E. Matthew.Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in London : H. Grevel and Co. and Philadelphia J. B. Lipincott, 1894 Original Page Count - 248 pages.Illustrations -- 12 illustrations.
Napoleon at Work
by Colonel Jean-Baptiste-Modeste-Eugène VachéeThis ebook is purpose built and is proof-read and re-type set from the original to provide an outstanding experience of reflowing text for an ebook reader. At the turn of the 20th Century, the historical section of the French General Staff began to produce some of the most valuable and detailed studies of the Napoleonic period, and particularly Napoleon's method for success in war. This upsurge in French military writing, and particularly of the period of greatest French success, was, not coincidentally, foreshadowed the upcoming hostilities with Germany during which Colonel Vachée was to serve in the French artillery. He wrote "Napoleon en Campagne", of which this book is the English translation, to try to codify the rules of warfare for his contemporary French officers. Using the 1806 Jena campaign (an interesting counter viewpoint to Field Marshal Von der Gotlz's - Jena to Eylau written from the Prussian point of view of the same campaign) as an example of Napoleon's method of victory, Vachée gives a detailed account of the Emperor's closest collaborators: Marshal Berthier, Generals Bacler d'Albe, Bailly de Monthion, Gourgaud, Montholon, Caulaincourt, his secretaries Bourienne, Méneval and Fain et al. He illustrates the methods used to inspire his men from the highest Marshal of the Empire to the lowliest grognard, and the punishments for failure, both on and off the battlefield. An excellent book, useful for the study of command in wartime and the Napoleonic methods in particular. Title - Napoleon at Work Author -- Colonel Jean-Baptiste-Modeste-Eugène Vachée (????-????) Translator and Foreword by - George Frederic William Lees (1872-????) Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in 1914, London, by A. and C. Black. Original - xx and 324 pages. Illustrations -- Sketch maps included, larger A3 folding maps cannot be included due to their size.
Napoleon at the Boulogne Camp: (based On Numerous Hitherto Unpublished Documents) - Primary Source Edition
by Fernand Nicolay“THE reasons which induced me to publish the present work are briefly these: My father was a Boulonnais, and owner of the land historically famous for its associations with Bonaparte and Bruix. I have therefore in my possession a number of documents, hitherto unpublished, concerning the Camp of Boulogne.“Besides this, during the many years spent on my father’s property at the Plateau d’Odre, I have had many opportunities of acquiring information and collecting circumstantial evidence on the spot itself, from old men who had seen and talked with Napoleon, and had served under him.“When writing these pages, in full view of the splendid panorama of the Boulogne roadstead, and from the top of the very cliff on which Napoleon and the Commander of the Flotilla had once taken up their quarters, I could not help thinking that the narrative of former events and of memorable incidents would certainly be of psychological interest to the public.“Added to this, it seemed to me that a faithful record of typical details connected with Napoleon’s Camp at Boulogne, might even prove a useful contribution to the military history of that period, in which the extraordinary and fertile activity of Napoleon—seconded by the ardour, so typical, of his soldiers and sailors—had inspired England with fear, and served to organise an incomparable army.”
Napoleon in 100 Objects (In 100 Objects Ser.)
by Gareth Glover“Takes a look at the life of Napoleon Bonaparte through using 100 objects . . . an entertaining method of presenting a biography.” —Battles and Book ReviewsFor almost two decades, Napoleon Bonaparte was the most feared, and revered, man in Europe. At the height of his power, the land under his control stretched from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, and encompassed most of Western Europe.The story of how a young Corsican, who spoke French with a strange accent, became Emperor of the French at the age of just thirty-three is a remarkable one. The many fascinating objects brought together in this book detail not only Napoleon’s meteoric rise to power, but also his art of war and that magnificent fighting force, the Imperial Guard, which grew from a small personal bodyguard to the size of a small army. Some of his great battles, such as Marengo, Austerlitz, Jena and Wagram, are also explored, as is his exile and ultimate defeat at Waterloo. In this engaging and hugely informative book, the author takes us on a journey across Napoleonic Europe to discover the places, people and objects that tell the story of one man’s life. It is a story of one of the most turbulent eras in history, one that, to this day, still bears Bonaparte’s name. But his legacy lives on in the French legal and social systems and he remains as enigmatic a figure today as he did 200 years ago.“An amazing collection of objects that aid our understanding of the man who wanted to rule the world.” —Books Monthly
Napoleon in Egypt: The Greatest Glory
by Paul StrathernIn 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte, only twenty-eight, set sail for Egypt with 335 ships, 40,000 soldiers, and a collection of scholars, artists, and scientists to establish an eastern empire. He saw himself as a liberator, freeing the Egyptians from oppression. But Napoleon wasn't the first--nor the last--who tragically misunderstood Muslim culture. Marching across seemingly endless deserts in the shadow of the pyramids, pushed to the limits of human endurance, his men would be plagued by mirages, suicides, and the constant threat of ambush. A crusade begun in honor would degenerate into chaos. And yet his grand failure also yielded a treasure trove of knowledge that paved the way for modern Egyptology--and it tempered the complex leader who believed himself destined to conquer the world.
Napoleon in Russia (Special Campaigns Series #15)
by Lt.-Colonel Reginald G. BurtonNapoleon's campaign in Russia began in June of 1812 and triggered the vast reversal of power away from France, which had started with his accession to power some twelve years before and would continue for decades afterwards. 600,000 men marched into Russia under Napoleon's eagles, only a fraction would march back out, most would be left frozen in the wastes of Russia.Lt.-Col Burton undertakes the task of distilling the conflict of more than a million men and many more civilians with fluency and detail. An excellent book.This book is part of the Special Campaigns series produced around the turn of the 20th century by serving or recently retired British and Indian Army officers. They were intended principally for use by British officers seeking a wider knowledge of military history.Author -- Lt.-Colonel Reginald G. Burton (Indian Army) (1864-1923)Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in London, G. Allen & company, ltd.; 1914.Original Page Count - xiv and 231 pages.
Napoleon on the Art of War
by Jay LuvaasNapoleon. The passage of time has not dimmed the power of his name. A century and a half after his death, Napoleon remains the greatest military genius of the modern world. Yet unlike Machiavelli, Clausewitz, or Sun Tzu, his name has not crowned any single literary work. The subject of thousands of biographies and treatises on warfare, he is the author of none. Until now. The great general and conqueror of Europe may not have written any books, but he was a prolific writer. Thousands of his missives to subordinates survive, and these documents reflect the broad range of a fearless and incisive mind. From them, military historian Jay Luvaas has wrought a seamless whole. Luvaas has spent decades culling, editing, and arranging Napoleon's thoughts into coherent essays and arguments. In the remarkable result. Napoleon speaks without interruption in a work that will forever change the way we view him. Luvaas covers every subject Napoleon wrote about, from the need for preparation -- "Simply gathering men together does not produce real soldiers; drill, instruction, and skill is what makes real soldiers." -- to the essence of victory -- "To win is not enough: It is necessary to profit from success." On education, leadership, strategy and history, Napoleon speaks with an authority unique to those who have ruled a continent. In these pages lies the wisdom of a giant who knew life's greatest achievements and its lowest lows: triumph and conquest, exile and disgrace. Whether you are a student of military strategy or a business professional eager to learn from the greatest manager of personnel that the world has ever known, Napoleon on the Art of War has something for you. From the specifies of Napoleon's use of cavalry and unique reliance upon artillery to an all-encompassing vision of life from a man of supreme confidence and success, you'll find it here. This is the only straightforward explanation of Napoleon's campaigns and philosophy by the man himself.
Napoleon the Third: A Biography
by Edmund B. D’auvergneIn this brief and readable study, noted biographer Edmund d’Auvergne recounts the life and times of Napoleon III and the times that reigned across Europe. An arch political schemer he capitalised on the ferment in French society that carried on even after the fall of his uncle, the Emperor Napoleon, to gain the summit of his power. However, his actions in power were frequently moderate in nature toward his French subjects, but his attempts to increase the power of France in Europe would ultimately be met by the crushing brilliance of a resurgent Prussia under Bismarck.
Napoleon#s Imperial Headquarters
by Patrice Courcelle Ronald PawlyOsprey's detailed study of the entourage which enabled Napoleon to move hundreds of thousands of troops right across Europe during the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815). The 'military machine' by which Napoleon and his indispensable chief of staff Marshal Berthier commanded and controlled his huge armies on campaign numbered some 1,500 officers and men, organized in the different bureaux of his military and civilian 'households' and the army general headquarters. This essential tool of the Emperor's power was designed to provide him, even in a front-line camp, with all the information, technical support and comfort that he enjoyed in his palaces.
Napoleon's Army
by H. C. RogersMany books have been written about Napoleon and his campaigns, but very little about the soldiers of his armies and of the organization and conditions under which they lived and served. In this classic study, now reissued in paperback, H.C.B. Rogers examines Napoleon's army in terms of its staff systems, its arms and its supporting services as it existed and changed during the long period that separated the battles of Valmy and Waterloo. This is not another history of Napoleon's campaigns. Apart from the brief narrative of the opening chapter designed to serve as an aide-memoire, military operations are only cited to illustrate organization, tactics, equipment and administration. The author seeks to show how, as Lord Wavell put it, Napoleon inspired 'a ragged, mutinous, half-starved army and made it fight as it did'.
Napoleon's Army in Russia: The Illustrated Memoirs of Albrecht Adam, 1812
by Jonathan NorthIn 1812 Napoleon's magnificent army invaded Russia. Among the half a million men who crossed the border was Albrecht Adam, a former baker, a soldier and, most importantly for us, a military artist of considerable talent. As the army plunged ever deeper into a devastated Russia Adam sketched and painted. In all he produced 77 colour plates of the campaign and they are as fresh and dramatic as the day they were produced. They show troops passing along dusty roads, bewildered civilians, battles and their bloody aftermath, burning towns and unchecked destruction. The memoirs which accompany the plates form a candid text describing the war Adam witnessed. Attached to IV Corps, composed largely of Italians, he was present at all the major actions and saw the conquerors march triumphantly into Moscow. But, from then on, the invading army's fate was sealed and the disastrous outcome of the war meant that the year 1812 would become legendary as one of the darkest chapters in history.
Napoleon's Campaign in Poland, 1806–1807
by Pickle Partners Publishing Francis Loraine Petre O.B.EThis ebook is purpose built and is proof-read and re-type set from the original to provide an outstanding experience of reflowing text for an ebook reader. F. Lorraine Petre was at the forefront of a number of British historians who wrote at the turn of the 20th Century who advanced the knowledge, understanding of Napoleonic times and warfare hugely. Petre wrote a number of books on the subject, particularly because of the dearth of information focusing on Napoleon's "lesser-known" campaigns, with a depth of research unheard of at the time. His writings have stood the test of time and have been re-printed a number of times, as recently as the last ten years. In this book his second in his series, shines the spotlight of the Napoleon's quest to vanquish his last remaining continental enemy, Russia. Having smashed Prussia in 1806, Napoleon eagerly sought out his Russian opponents, however his tactics of lightning advances and strategic envelopment founded in the mud and cold of Poland. Extended over a vast area, his troops acutely suffered from shortages and played a deadly game of cat and mouse with the last of the Prussian forces under Lestocq whilst waiting for the thaw that would enable them to come to grips with the enemy. As it transpired they did not have to wait as long as they might have imagined, fighting the bloody slugging match in the snow with the Russians at Eylau and although they held the field, it was a field covered by their own comrades' corpses. After another brutal but more successful engagement at Heilsberg, during which the Russians lost heavily, Napoleon finally ran his quarry to the ground at Friedland. After a sterling delaying action by Lannes' corps and supporting cavalry under Grouchy, Napoleon found his opponent pinned with his back to a river. After an abortive attack by Marshal Ney, General Sènarmont drove a battery of thirty guns into canister range of the Russian centre leaving a red ruin, and allowing a victory for the French turn into a bloody rout for the Russians as many drowned trying to reach their lines on the other side of the river. The peace of Tilsit was to be signed soon after, marking arguably the highpoint of the French Empire. Author - Francis Lorraine Petre OBE - (1852-1925) Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in 1901, London, Sampson, Low and Company. Original - 339 pages. MAPS - due to their size have not been included Linked TOC
Napoleon's Campaigns in Italy
by Richard Hook Philip HaythornthwaiteIn January 1794 the French 'Army of Italy' was commanded by General Dumerbion and he acknowledged a great debt to his 25-year-old commander of artillery - Napoleon Bonaparte. The French Revolution had resulted in major changes in the military system, conscription created a national army and new tactics and initiatives allowed an officer of such promise as Napoleon to rise quickly through the ranks. By 1796 he was the general commanding the French in Italy and at the conclusion of fourteen months campaigning he was the decisive military personality of his age. Philip Haythornthwaite examines Napoleon's campaigns in Italy, and the uniforms of his soldiers are illustrated in eight colour plates by Richard Hook.
Napoleon's Cavalry, Artillery and Technical Corps 1799–1815: History, Organization and Equipment
by Gabriele EspositoThe French Army of Napoleon could count on a brilliant mounted arm, consisting of three main types of cavalry: heavy, medium and light. The first, consisting of carabiniers and cuirassiers, was tasked with conducting frontal charges; the second, consisting of dragoons and lancers, could perform a variety of different duties; the third, consisting of hussars and mounted chasseurs, was tasked with scouting and skirmishing. The various regiments were all dressed in flamboyant uniforms and distinctive equipment. Perhaps more than any other troops they encapsulated the dash and glamour of Napoleonic warfare. Napoleon started his military career as an artillery officer and thus always paid great attention to the quality of his army’s artillery, which consisted of both foot and horse units. Several of Bonaparte’s greatest victories were achieved thanks to the superiority of his artillery, which was with undoubtedly the best in Europe during the period 1799-1815. In addition to cavalry and artillery, the author also covers the minor ‘technical corps’ of Napoleon’s army, such as the engineers and supply train. All are beautifully illustrated by the many color plates in this book, and their organization, equipment and tactics described.
Napoleon's Chicken Marengo: Creating the Myth of the Emperor's Favourite Dish
by Andrew UffindellThis remarkable work tells the story of Chicken Marengo, and cuts through the tangle of myths that has sprung up around it. Supposedly created on the evening of Napoleons victory at Marengo, the dish rapidly conquered Paris, and became a renowned symbol of French haute cuisine.The author sets the dish in its context explaining the nail-biting drama of Napoleons Marengo campaign and the remarkable frenzy of rejoicing unleashed in Paris by the news of his victory. The author argues that the dish is part of a wider myth that Napoleon spun around the battle itself. Uncomfortably aware of just how close he had come to disaster, he rewrote the official account of Marengo. Determined to exploit the political impact of the victory to the full, he portrayed it as a masterly maneuver, rather than a near-defeat salvaged largely by luck.Napoleons Chicken Marengo demonstrates the persistency of popular myth in shaping perceptions of pivotal events. Uffindel sheds startling light on Napoleons extraordinary and yet elusive character, and reveals just how effectively he spun a myth around the amount of food he ate in order to project a positive image of himself. A whole cast of other, unforgettable characters enlivens the story of Chicken Marengo, from Napoleons bickering generals, to celebrity chefs, colorful adventurers, acclaimed artists, fabulously wealthy eccentrics, and famous writers such as William Makepeace Thackeray.
Napoleon's Commentaries on the Wars of Julius Caesar: A New English Translation
by R A MaguireWhile in exile on St Helena, Napoleon dictated a commentary on the wars of Julius Caesar, later published in 1836. In each chapter he summarized the events of one campaign, then added comments from the standpoint of his own military knowledge. Over the nearly two millennia between Caesar and Napoleon some aspects of warfare had changed, notably the introduction of firearms. But much remained the same: the rate of movement of armies (at the foot pace of horse or man); human muscle power as the main source of energy for construction work; some military techniques, notably bridge construction; as well as the actual territory fought over by Caesar and later by Napoleon. Napoleons commentary thus provides a fascinating and highly authoritative insight into Caesars wars, as well as providing a window into Napoleons own thinking and attitudes. Napoleon in places detects mistakes on the part of Caesar and his enemies, and says what they should have done differently. Remarkably, this is thought to be the first full English translation of Napoleon's work.Napoleon Bonaparte was born to an obscure Corsican family but rose through the ranks of the French army to become Emperor of France, conqueror of most of Europe and acknowledged military genius. He wrote this book while in exile on St Helena.The translator. RA Maguire, is a former civil engineer with a long-standing interest in military and ancient history.
Napoleon's Defeat of the Habsburgs: Napoleon's Defeat of the Habsburg, Vol I (1809: Thunder on the Danube #1)
by John H. GillThis history of the 1809 Franco-Austrian War presents an in-depth chronicle Napoleon&’s last great victory. On April 10th, 1809, while Napoleon was occupied in Western Europe with the Peninsular War, the Austrian Empire launched a surprise attack that sparked the War of the Fifth Coalition. Though France would ultimately win the conflict, it would be Napoleon&’s last victorious war. Even then, the margin of French superiority was decreasing. Archduke Charles, the best of the Habsburg commanders, led a reformed Austrian Army that was arguably the best ever fielded by the Danubian Monarchy. Though caught off guard, the French Emperor reversed a dire strategic situation with stunning blows that he called his 'most brilliant and most skillful maneuvers'. Following a breathless pursuit down the Danube valley, Napoleon occupied the palaces of the Habsburgs for the second time in four years. He would win many battles in his future campaigns, but never again would one of Europe's great powers lie broken at his feet. In Thunder on the Danube, historian John H. Gill tackles the political background of the war, including the motivations behind the Austrian offensive. Gill also demonstrates that 1809 was both a high point of the First Empire as well as a watershed, for Napoleon's armies were declining in quality and he was beginning to display the corrosive flaws that contributed to his downfall five years later. His opponents, on the other hand, were improving.
Napoleon's Downfall: Madame Récamier and Her Battle with the Emperor
by Geri WaltonAn account of the wealthy socialite who opposed the French emperor and found herself exiled from Paris—from the author of Marie Antoinette’s Confidante.Napoleon Bonaparte and Juliette Récamier were both highly influential and well-known in France, yet they were often at odds with each other. Their story played out on the European stage during a period of political upheaval and new political ideas. Napoleon gained power in the aftermath of the French Revolution, and he would go from spectacular victories to dismal failure. His defeat in the early nineteenth century would result in Europe acquiring new national borders and with that Britain, Russia, and the United States would gain greater international influence.Juliette, on the other hand, wielded her own power. Because of the tumultuous French Revolution, noble and aristocratic landowners were being replaced by a new wealthy class in the private sector. Juliette and her husband were among the beneficiaries of this growing affluence and influence, and her power came from her newfound position in society.Juliette also viewed life differently than Napoleon. She saw life from the standpoint of a wealthy socialite whereas Napoleon’s desires were always shaded by his military experiences and his meteoric rise to power.Along the way, Juliette would have to face the testy Emperor, and she would find that his own brother would fall for her. Even some of Napoleon’s greatest enemies would woo her. “A fascinating look at two of the French Revolution’s most amazing and engaging characters, Napoleon Bonaparte and Juliette Récamier, both of whom wielded enormous power in a most turbulent time.” —Books Monthly