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#212669 in Books Mike Rapport 2013-03-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 4.40 x .50 x 6.80l; .31 #File Name: 0199590966144 pagesThe Napoleonic Wars A Very Short Introduction
Review
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Fine summary of a complex periodBy W. D ONEILThis judicious; well-written book provides a very good summary of the entire 1789-1815 period of European History (not just the later part dominated by Napoleon) Its main emphasis is on the complex political history of the period; with lesser attention to economic; social; and military history. It can serve well to refresh the memories of those who have studied the period before; to help to integrate and set in context accounts of particular parts of the overall story; or provide an attractive introduction. The Further Reading section at the back is an excellent introduction to many of the best books on the period and its individual aspects.The lack of maps is an unfortunate omission; particualarly for those relying on it as an introduction. It would have been better to leave out the illustrations (few of which contribute much) and replace them with a few well-selected maps.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Introduction to the Wars that Followed the French Revolution - Subject Matter Often Breezed Over in History TextbooksBy RayI very much enjoyed reading this very short introduction to the Napoleonic Wars. The book's title is SLIGHTLY deceptive in that it also covers the Revolutionary Wars that preceeded the Napoleonic Wars; but that is splitting hairs. The book is well written; and although it indeed helps if you are familiar with the French Revolution's particulars; it isn't absolutely necessary due to the orientation piece at the front part of the work. It is well written; both clearly and logically laid out. The book does not emphasize details of various battles; but being an overview; weaves the story of the various wars (and there were plenty of them) that immediately followed the French Revolution; and how those wars eventually reshaped the political and cultural landscape of Europe by about the third decade of the 19th century. I can highly recommend it as one of the very well done "Very Short Introductions" (I've read about ten to twenty of them at this point); and if you are interested in French history; its a must. Five Stars.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. The Napoleonic Wars: A Very Short IntrodutionBy GioacchinoChiantThe little book that could in a short review just like the title says; provided historical review of what caused the Napoleonic wars. Concentrating in a summary form on the political history that led to the Napoleonic war; though some of it I disagree with probably due to the brevity of the book. It also looks at the economic; social; and military history though to a much lesser extent.What this book does brilliantly is to provide an attractive introduction in to this period; a good refresh; and an understanding of this period of time.The series of Very short Introductions by Mike Rapport is well worth the investment; for the Armature; and those looking to refresh their memory of the period that his books cover.I gave it 5 stars because it really disserved it in my humble opinion; it is an excellent Very Short Introduction
