Forty-four battles of the Napoleonic era in words and picturesNapoleon was one of the most significant figures in world history; a military and administrative genius; statesman and despot; he set Europe ablaze and his influence around the globe resounds to this day. While there is no real glory in warfare; the Napoleonic period; with its marching Imperial armies; plumes bobbing above casques and shakos; and martial figures in uniforms glinting with steel; brass or bronze; is an irresistibly romantic time that fascinates both serious students and casual readers. Great battles were fought across continents; from the heat of the Iberian Peninsula to the snows of the Russian steppe; from the sands of Egypt to the northern woodlands of the Canadian frontier. This world at war; on land and sea; has been chronicled in hundreds of books; from first-hand accounts by soldiers who knew its battles to the works of modern historians who know there is an eager readership. Today we are familiar with photographs of warfare; but in the early nineteenth century the visual documentation of wars was undertaken by a host of talented artists and illustrators; and it is their work that places this unique Leonaur four volume set above the ordinary. Compiled from the writings of well regarded historians and experts on the subject; these accounts were originally part of a multi-volume collection of essays on the battles of the entire 19th century. Each essay benefits from the inclusion of illustrations; diagrams and maps to support and enhance the narrative; many of which will be unfamiliar to modern readers.Battles covered in this second volume include Buenos Ayres; Eylau Friedland; Baylen; Finland; Vimiera; Aspern-Essling; Corunna; Passage of the Douro; Talavera; Tyrol-Innsbruck and Barrosa. Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket; our hardbacks are cloth bound and feature gold foil lettering on their spines and fabric head and tail bands.
#867713 in Books Titan Books 2014-10-28 2014-10-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.00 x .85 x 12.25l; 1.25 #File Name: 1781168482188 pagesTitan Books
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful WarbirdsBy Patrick FoleyThis is a really beautiful book. Like a previous reviewer I had some problems with a few of the captions and the errors contained within but they in no way detract from the enjoyment of the book.A usual complaint I have about aviation art books is that there's too little art and too many words but that is not the case at all here. Marvelous; large; numerous illustrations make the book thoroughly enjoyable.My only complaint comes from the retired fighter pilot side of me and it's a complaint I have with most aviation artists... even in the midst of a swirling dogfight all of the aircraft illustrated have their flight controls dead neutral; no deflection of ailerons; rudders or elevators; even in aircraft shown generating wingtip vortices because they are pulling "G's" (hard to do with your elevator in neutral). But this is something that most folks won't even notice and it certainly didn't keep me from loving the book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Agree with Troy Quigley's reviewBy David WhiteleyTroy pointed out the extreme detail in the art but also pointed out problems with the ordnance loadouts. ALSO; all but MAYBE one of the full color artworks have the control surfaces in the neutral position. A cursory check of photographs of aircraft in most attitudes other than level flight show observable deflections of the control surfaces. This may not be significant to most people; but these control surface deflections give that extra bit of realism of flight that other aviation artists typically include.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very Nice Book - Replaced my 1st Copy after Problem with 's packagingBy Upward CallThis is a very substantial "coffee table book". My 1st copy was damaged in shipping due to changes in 's packaging. They quickly sent a replacement copy. THANK YOU.( used to shrink wrap books onto an oversized piece of cardboard; which prevented this kind of shipping damage in the past.)I am very pleased with the quality and content of the book. It is one of the very few aviation fine art books to feature the current generation of digital aviation art. The images are large; and there are many opportunities for visual exploration of the nuances of each subject. I enjoyed the variety of complex renderings. The text is well-written; informative; and enjoyable to read.
