This is a masterly study of generalship in Napoleons Grande Arme. Napoleon arguably had the greatest collection of military talent to ever serve one man working for him during the period 1800-15. The role of the Marshals of the Empire has been covered many times; and due credit is also given to them here; however; for the first time Kevin Kiley also examines in depth the contribution of the generals who never made that rank. Fifty-two general officers - some well known and some not - are examined using the battles they fought to illustrate just how valuable they were. From Marengo in 1800 to Ligny in 1815; both French victories and defeats are studied in meticulous detail; each chapter covering a battle fought and the generals who commanded them. Diverse source material has been consulted in the preparation of this volume; including after-action reports; memoirs and correspondence from officers including Senarmont; Eble; Drouot; Teste; Marmont; and Davout; as well as from lesser-known characters such as the artillerymen Boulart and Nol; and the Polish cavalryman Niegelewski; who led the final dash up the pass of Somosierra. Furthermore; those closest to Napoleon such as Fain and Marchand give their piece and provide invaluable information. Taken individually; this material paints a vivid picture of the Grande Arme and those who led it into fire. Taken as a whole; it provides an invaluable source and tells the remarkable story of the officers without whom Napoleon could never have achieved as much.
#3396448 in Books Oneworld Pubns Ltd 1993-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.75 x 5.75 x .50l; .0 #File Name: 1851680667160 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Best Book for Understanding Buddhism in a HurryBy Renee ThorpeConze has not been dethroned as foremost authority on the history of Buddhism; and this book is a good starting point for any study in Buddhism; Buddhist art; or general Asian Studies.This readable; meaty; short book will clue you in on who Gautama was; but concentrate mainly on how his teachings have spawned several types of Buddhism; mainly the three catagories of Tantric; Mahayana; and Theravada Buddhism. But many small schisms are mentioned; making it a rather complete history of the religion for such a small book. Geographical and scholarly paths are generally traced; showing a good overview of this religion's spread. It's well organized and a good read.My only dislike is that not enough text is dedicated to an exploration of the life of Gautama (Conze gives about 2 pages only); including his many attempts at enlightenment and the final long confrontation of all his past lives. Possibly this omission is made so as not to bring in too much religious doctrine (this is; after all; a history OF the religion); but I found the lack of coverage annoying and puzzling.
