Product Description

By 1812, when Napoleon invaded Russia, his empire covered most of Europe. The invasion was to be its crowning glory. Instead it ended in disaster, defeat and humiliation and marked the beginning of his decline. In this narrative, the French campaign is followed day to day within the most intimate context of the Emperor's state of mind, bad health and indecision. As the invasion heads towards its climax among the flames of Moscow, the great disaster that ensued can clearly be seen as the product of Napoleon's innumerable mistakes and omissions. The greatest military leader of modern times lost his army of some half a million men and 150,000 horses not by folly but by default; the Russians saved their country more by accident than by strategy.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1901033 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-12
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

Accurate and fascinating
There ara many books written about the ill-fated campaign of Napoleon's Grand Armee in Russia in 1812 but this account of Alan Palmer is a real gem. Without being massive or exhausting for the reader it presents all the aspects of that remarkable campaing with clarity and marvellous literature power. It does contain a few black and white photos and some simple but accurate maps, but its real strong point is Palmer's excellent writing and his equally impressive background of knowledge on the subject. A scholarly researched book which is read like a novel. Highly recommended for those who want to "feel" the 1812 campaign without spending months reading all the available sources.

Yes, a gem
One should seek out books by this author. I will. A superb work.