DOC The Napoleonic Wars (2): The Empires Fight Back 1808-1812 (Essential Histories) (v. 2) by Todd Fisher in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Good Succint Introduction to the Topic for the NoviceBy YodaThis book contains a compilation of four previously published books (each of approximately 94 pages of length) published by Osprey in its "Essential History" series. The four were: The rise of the Emperor (covering 1805-1807); The Empires Fight Back (1808-1813); The Peninsular War (1807-1814) and The Fall of the French Empire (1813-1815).In general and in aggregate; this collection does a pretty good job at providing a basic overview of the wars progression over each period. Each book; on a stand along basis for the period it covers; provides a good overview of the makeup of the armies involved (from lower level troops through mid and upper officer levels); tactics; weapons and strengths and weaknesses; the geopolitical situation at the beginning of the periods; how the war progressed over time and what the after effects were at the end of the covered periods. In addition; the chapters provide short 2-3 page chapters on some particular little or unknown low level individual involved in the war that gives a very good idea; from a personal viewpoint; what the war was like. The book is also very richly illustrated in contemporaneous paintings; etchings; maps and other illustrations.With respect to weaknesses; the book has quite a few. The most important; by far; is the due to its limited length and its topic it is unable to provide a very decent overview of the war outside of major campaigns and battles. For example; the war at sea is barely touched upon outside of Trafalgar. In addition; diplomatic; military; economic and political issues are barely touched upon. This book is definitely not as definitive as; say; the great Napoleonic expert Professor Alfred Chandler's "The Campaigns of Napoleon" (an approximately 1;200 page book) or Charles Esdaile's "Napoleon's Wars: An International History" (approximately 700 pages in length). However; for what it is; a short succinct introduction to the Napoleonic Wars intended for the novice; the book does an excellent job.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The beginning of the end for Napoleon and the Grand ArmeeBy Chip HunterThis book picks up where The Napoleonic Wars: The Rise of the Emperor 1805-1807 leaves off. As Napoleon defeats Austria with his customary ease he learns of betrayal by Russia. The single biggest mistake Napoleon ever made was his decision to invade Russia and march all the way to Moscow with an army that wasn't up to the Grand Armee of old. Even as Napoleon's army recorded success after success against the armies of Russia; Napoleon was stretching himself too thin and would eventually be brought low by disease and the elements.Most of this book is taken up by the advance on Moscow; where brilliantly fought battles had the Russians back on their heels all the way past their capitol. Battle descriptions and artwork depicting the events of the time are excellent; similar to most others in the Essential Histories collection. The book also contains very interesting and concise descriptions of the political thinking of the time and of the cultural changes taking place. Overall; a great description of the start of Napoleon's fall.I look forward to continuing the Napoleonic Wars set from Essential Histories.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Highly recommended !By CustomerAn excellent; compelling account of this important and influential period in European history. Well researched; illustrated and written. Highly recommended !.