Napoleon and Russia tells; for the first time; the full story of Napoleon and his crucial relationship with Russia; from the 1790s and Bonaparte's rise to power; through the period of Austerlitz; Tilsit and the Russian invasion; to the Emperor's fall and its aftermath. In doing so; it not only puts the critical events of 1812 in their proper context as part of an even greater tale - of peace as well as war; friendship as well as enmity - but also provides fresh insight into the Napoleonic period as a whole; questioning many of the assumptions about the era prevalent in the English-speaking world.The tale boasts a cast of fascinating characters to rival any novel: the rulers; Napoleon himself; Catherine the Great; 'Mad' Tsar Paul and the enigmatic Alexander I; generals such as Ney; Murat; Davout; Suvorov; Kutuzov and Barclay de Tolly; statesmen like Talleyrand; Caulaincourt; Czartoryski and Rumiantsev; and; of course; the ordinary soldiers who fought some of the most intriguing; bloody and important campaigns in history.This is an enthralling story of fundamental importance in the history of Europe and; indeed; the world.
#752648 in Books Osprey 2012-01-24 2012-01-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 245.62 x 2.79 x 7.28l; .47 #File Name: 184908630364 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Good Introduction to Apache Tactics During Indian WarBy P. PollockI think that authors Robert Watt and Adam Hook (illustrator) have done a very good job with this book. It's important to understand that this is a comparatively small book (64 pages) and it does not give a comprehensive view of Apache fighting. What Robert Watt has done is to piece together the trails and positions of Apache warriors during key battles between the Apaches and the US Army or Mexican forces. I liked the fact that Mr. Watt actually traveled to the locations today and thought about the events that occurred - in terms of how the landscape is laid out. I definitely did gain some very useful insights on the ambush tactics used by the Apaches; especially the chief Victorio. It does come across that Victorio was a very smart fighter and leader for his people.I think readers will enjoy this book if they are realistic about what to expect. Keep in mind that there are many aspects of Apache fighting that have not been preserved. When a group of people is almost wiped from existence; as happened to the Chiricahua Apaches; then a huge amount of knowledge and wisdom from that tribe is also destroyed. We know that the Apache's used special hand signs to communicate; we know they had special ways to cross the land (by foot and on horseback); we know they were excellent at movement and concealment; and we know they were skilled with their traditional weapons. Unfortunately; much of this knowledge will be lost forever ... since it was only preserved by oral tradition within the tribe. However; Mr. Watt has done readers a great service by looking at what can be re-constructed about the movements of the Apaches and the types of ambushes they did set up. The book is a very interesting contribution and well worth reading if you have a detailed interest in the Old West or Indian fighting tactics.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Short but worth it.By Elmer BatesVery interesting read. These Osprey books rarely disappoint me. Have read more detailed accounts about the Apache but Mr. Watt packs a lot into the volume. Like all Osprey volumes it probably is better as a physical book. Purchased a couple other Osprey volumes for the Kindle and the maps (especially) and photos though clear; do not transfer well to electronic form (either too small or too big).1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Well researchedBy Steve KielinenLiving in Southern Arizona; I have read the majority of books on the Apache. I have visited a lot of places where these battles were fought. Even camping and hunting many if the places near Dragoons and Chiracuha mountains; It brings literary to life standing where it seems the world has forgotten. When you see these locations and read this book. It is simply brilliant tactics and methods. No wonder the US Military uses the Apache names and call signs for many missions and equipment. The research to find the information and to include images of movement is a great example of how to keep the reader and historian in line with the statements and methods. Although short on many build ups to the battles; it does tend to jump timelines. It would be even better to have included the impressions of the public and newspaper articles to show how information was transformed from first hand to reporter. Thank you for your hard work in researc. Especially the mule count the government had documented being lost during this time. The big picture from finances and the government cost should have also been included. To many the Apache wars is a footnote; but do not realize these tactics are now in use by US forces today.
